Southend-on-Sea City Council has launched a six-week consultation on potential changes to how moving traffic offences (MTOs) like stopping in yellow box junctions, making banned turns and driving in bus, taxi or cycle lanes are enforced in the city.
Currently, Essex Police are responsible for dealing with MTOs, but the council wants to acquire further powers to manage such issues itself.
Some of the increased powers could include fining drivers; the consultation will ask local residents about whether or not the authority should assume powers at ten locations across the city.
These sites include: Fairfax Drive at the junction with Prittlewell Chase; A13 London Road at the junction with Nelson Road; Cokefield Road at the junction with Hamstel Road; A13 at the junction with Elm Road; Greenways Primary school – School street; A127 Eastbound (Bell interchange) at the junction with Rochford Road; Bournes Green Junior School – School street; A127 Prince Avenue at the junction with A1158 Prince Avenue; Nelson Road at the junction with A13 – No right turn; and Warrior Square at the junction with Chichester Road.
Locations were selected based on the numbers of existing MTOs recorded at the sites, the council has said.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras would be installed at the proposed locations and would be used to enforce MTOs and support the issuing of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), which would be posted to registered owners of vehicles breaking the rules of the road.
Cllr Kevin Buck, cabinet member for highways, transport and parking, said: “The new powers should improve road safety and traffic flow in key problem areas. Other benefits could include improved air quality and reduced emissions from standing traffic, increased public transport reliability and increased life of our roads and pavements.
“I encourage local people to have their say by taking part in the consultation. In line with legislation, any income from the PCNs issued will be reinvested back into projects that improve road safety and increase active and sustainable travel.”
Based on feedback collected from the consultation, the local authority will apply to the Department for Transport next year to secure additional powers in this area.
