Councils across the country will soon receive significant new powers, allowing them to issue traffic fines from December…
New Powers for Councils
Councils outside of London will soon have new powers, allowing them to issue traffic fines. The fines, which will apply to ‘moving traffic offences’, will be able to be issued from December. The powers were first outlined by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and represent an attempt to get more people walking and cycling. Local Authorities, rather than police forces, will be able to issue the fines for the likes of entering cycle lanes or ignoring one-way systems.
The fines are already being issued in London, where evidence suggests they’ve helped to reduce both traffic offences themselves and police workloads; allowing officers to prioritise more serious issues. The government itself wants drivers to receive a warning for their first offence; with monetary penalties following repeat offences.
A Freedom of Information request made by the RAC has shed light on the revenue being generated by traffic fines. Between 2016/17 and 2018/19, it increased by 25% alone. Overall, councils already able to issue the fines made £58.2 million in 2018/19, £11.5 million more than in 2016/17.
Serving Local Needs
Baroness Vere, the Transport Minister, spoke of the new council powers at last week’s Traffex conference. She said, “local authorities will need the tools to manage roads in the way that best serves local needs, which may vary in different parts of the country, and it is this ethos of localism that lies behind our decision to give more powers to local authorities under the Traffic Management Act”.
Simon Williams, speaking for the RAC, voiced concerns. He said, “it’s right that councils outside London have the ability to enforce known rule-breaking hotspots. But we’re fearful that some authorities may be over enthusiastic in using their new powers for revenue raising reasons”. He added, “while the Government has pledged to give councils advice on how best to let drivers know enforcement is taking place, what’s really needed is clear guidance on making sure enforcement is always carried out fairly”.
Semiconductor Shortage Continues To Shutdown Production Lines – https://autoservefleet.co.uk/latest-news/semiconductor-shortage-continues-to-shutdown-production-lines/
Police Data Has Shed Light On Illegal Car Modification Hotspots – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/police-data-has-shed-light-on-illegal-car-modification-hotspots/
1 comment on “Councils Will Be Able To Issue Traffic Fines From December”