Enforcement of moving traffic regulations under part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA)
From 31 May 2022, local authorities in England outside of London are able to apply to the Secretary of State for new powers to enforce ‘moving traffic offences’. This means they can be granted powers that have previously been held only by the police and will be able to issue fines to drivers for these offences for the first time.
Here is some background information to explain the reason for this law change, the powers local authorities may acquire, and how it may affect road users.
What are moving traffic offences?
In England and Wales, moving traffic offences are defined in law in Schedule 7 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (as amended). They include:
- Incorrectly driving into a bus lane
- Stopping in a yellow box junction
- Banned right or left turns
- Illegal U-turns
- Going the wrong way in a one-way street
- Ignoring a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).
Why is the law changing?
Currently, in England, moving traffic offences are enforceable only by the police. The only exception is in London where Transport for London (TfL) and London borough councils already have ‘civil enforcement’ powers.
In 2020, the Government pledged to change the law and give local authorities the ability to enforce these offences themselves to reduce reliance on police resources, “improve air quality through reduced traffic congestion”, and “encourage behavioural shift towards sustainable travel choices” by improving bus reliability and making cycling easier.
How will the law change?
The Government will give local authorities these powers under part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004.
What does this mean for Cambridgeshire?
Cambridgeshire County Council is applying to the Secretary of State for new powers to enforce ‘moving traffic offences’. We are proposing the site for initial enforcement using these powers is Downing Street, Cambridge – no left turn except buses, taxis and cycles. This is due to historical reports of poor compliance of the current traffic rules in the area and the potential impact on safety from contraventions due to the high level of pedestrian, cycle, bus and taxis movements in the area.
This can only be done in Cambridge which is currently a ‘Civil Parking Enforcement’ area.
If successful, what will happen to those who flout the no left turn?
If we are given the powers, the enforcement would be undertaken by using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera technology and fines would be sent by post to road users who continue to ignore the restriction. People will receive a warning notice first.
Next Steps
Cambridgeshire County Council would welcome your views about this proposed site. There will be a consultation available from 21 September and closes at midnight on 2 November 2022. to complete the survey please visit the link below:
Online consultation (Smart Survey website)
You can also email your response directly to policyandregulation@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
