North Somerset Council apply for powers to enforce moving traffic offences
These powers could be in force as soon as early 2024
Last updated 29th Jun 2024
North Somerset Council could very soon be following the lead of neighbouring local authority, Bristol City Council, as they look to seek new powers to improve the safety on the roads.
The powers, which would allow the authority to enforce moving traffic offences, will help the council target hot spot areas - where drivers are seen to be frequently breaking the law.
Outside of London, the police have previously enforced these kind of offences on our roads, but now local councils - like North Somerset Council - are keen to take these powers on themselves to tackle areas known to be problematic.
They have applied to the Government for authorisation of the plans.
If the local authority are given the green light by the Government, they say the first site to be targeted will be the 'no right hand turn' turning on Searle Crescent, near the Asda supermarket on Winterstoke Road.
These powers could be in force as soon as early 2024.
Following a change in legislation on 31 May 2021, councils can now apply to have legal powers to enforce offences including turning left or right where it is prohibited, going the wrong way in a one-way street and stopping on school-keep-clear areas.
Cllr Hannah Young, North Somerset Council's executive member with responsibility for highways said the enforcement action would improve road safety.
She added: "This is not an income stream for the council it is about improving safety in areas where drivers are flouting regulations. All income must be spent on the scheme, maintaining camera equipment or on highway improvements.
"Enforcement of moving traffic restrictions will be undertaken using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera technology.
"Images of vehicles breaking the traffic regulation orders will be sent for officer review with either a warning letter being issued if it is a first offence and within the first six months of that site being enforced, or a fixed penalty notice being issued.
"Once a site has become compliant, the camera will be relocated to another site."
Each site considered for enforcement will first be evidenced by survey cameras and data provided by the Police and the Department for Transport. Any sites seen as having significant issues will be put forward.
This will be followed by a period of engagement with road users to gather further information about usage of the sites.
The council has launched engagement on the pilot site near Asda this month. More information on how to get involved in the consultation can be found here.
The data from this site will accompany the application to the Department for Transport.