local councils are set to be given powers allowing them to fine motorists who commit minor traffic offences, under new legislation being drawn up by the department for carry (DfT). The step has been criticised for having the potential to turn motorists into a “lucrative cash stream.”
Although authorities in London and Cardiff can already issue fines for moving traffic contraventions, in a lot of areas these are dealt with by the police. This is set to change, though, as the DfT has confirmed it’s planning to give councils widespread power to issue fines of around £70 for offences such as stopping in a yellow box junction, driving in a cycle lane or making an illegal turn.

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Speaking in the house of Commons, carry minister Rachel Maclean confirmed the boosted powers, saying that changes being made to the traffic management Act 2004 “will take several months to bring into force, after which those local authorities with civil vehicle parking enforcement powers can apply for a designation buy for moving traffic enforcement.”
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She added: “Statutory support is being developed for local authorities on how to use the powers, including publicising their introduction in advance, to make sure that enforcement is carried out fairly.”
The carry committee previously recommended such procedures be taken, as police no longer have the resources to widely and successfully enforce moving traffic contraventions.
Nicholas Lyes, head of roads policy at the RAC, commented: “While it makes sense for all local authorities to have the power to enforce problematic hotspots, there is a risk that some councils might use this as a rewarding profits raising tool.”
Lyes said the onus must be on councils to make sure road layouts are not confusing, so that unsuspecting motorists are not “snared”. He pointed out that high numbers of fines in one location may indicate something is wrong.
He added: “We also feel that in the first instance alerting letters must be issued to motorists rather than a fine to minimize the chances of councils using this as a rewarding cash stream.”
Do you like the idea of local councils policing traffic offences in their areas? let us know in the comments…