New ANPR powers for local authorities to enforce ‘moving traffic offences’

New powers for England’s local authorities to enforce ‘moving traffic offences’ as they are now able to apply to the Department for Transport (DfT). This means that local authorities will now be able to enforce these traffic offences that previously only police have had the power to issue fines for certain types of traffic offences.

The new changes is set to improve road safety, traffic flow and reduce congestion plus encourage more people to catch public transport and to take up walking or cycling.

The offences include going the wrong way in a one-way street, banned turns, accessing a street where there is prohibition of driving in place and stopping in yellow box junctions.

Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and a 6 week public consultation period they would be held before an application is submitted to the DfT and enforced in various locations.

Between November 2021 and March 2022 there were 14 various locations that traffic surveys were carried out and it showed that at nearly all of the locations, accidents had occurred.

The result of enforcing traffic regulations at these sites would improve the areas massively by improving the efficiency of public transport, improving road safety for all pedestrians and road users, as well as reduce the risk of collisions.

On Wednesday 21 September following the outcome of a consultation process, the Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet approved the proposal to apply for powers to enforce moving traffic offences. Gloucestershire Council will use any surplus funds raised through enforcement would be reinvested in public transport, environmental schemes, highway improvements or parking services.

The cabinet member for highways, Councillor Dom Morris said: “Whilst the majority of road users adhere to the rules of the road, a small number do not, which is a risk to everyone.

“We have identified several hotspot locations where ANPR cameras would help to prevent collisions. These cameras will act as a deterrent to people who are tempted to breach the rules which would improve road safety and also encourage walking and cycling.”