Drivers could face new fines as Nottingham City Council has launched a consultation on its plan to allow civil enforcement for traffic offences in some areas of the city. A recent change to Government legislation gave local authorities new powers to use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to enforce moving traffic offences, in a bid to improve road safety.
Nottinghamshire Police currently enforce 'moving traffic offences', and the council have said the proposed change will allow the force to focus on other priorities. The new powers cover several offences such as 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, and Ignoring a Traffic Regulation Order (which prohibits traffic from moving through an area).
If the plans are approved, civil enforcement will be introduced at these sites using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera technology. Penalty Charge Notices of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days, would be sent automatically to drivers who break the law at these locations.
Read more: UK's first wireless electric taxis trial to launch in Nottingham
Using road safety reports, historical data, officer intelligence and citizen engagement, the council, following consultation with Nottinghamshire Police, is proposing four locations where these new powers would be useful. Maid Marian Way's junction with Friar Lane has been suggested by the council, who say U-turning traffic is in direct conflict with a green man pedestrian phase, creating "significant risk of fatality or serious injury".
Sheriffs Way/Queens Road at its junction with Arkwright Street has also been listed as an option, with turning vehicles similarly being in direct conflict with a green man pedestrian phase and creating a significant risk of injury. The section of Shakespeare Street from its junction with Goldsmith Street in an easterly direction for 110 metres, which is a pedestrian friendly area, has been proposed as another location.
The enforcement is also proposed for the section of Victoria Embankment from the suspension bridge in a north-westerly direction for around 240 metres, encompassing the recreational area in front of the war memorial. Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport and Parks, Councillor Audra Wynter, said: “I welcome the Government’s decision to change the regulations to allow civil enforcement.
"Currently only the police can enforce moving traffic offences, but it’s not a priority for them. Motorists who ignore these restrictions can pose a real danger to the most vulnerable road users, so we must act to protect them.
“I hope people will have their say on this important consultation, and also let us know what other junctions or areas of our road network also need improved safety measures.”
Nottingham City Council said it welcomes resident’s views on these locations, as well as suggestions on which other locations should be considered, before November 30.
Read next:
Woman recalls pain of losing brother in M1 smart motorway crash as protestors call for their end
UK's first wireless electric taxis trial to launch in Nottingham
Neighbours frustrated by speeding drivers 'taking noise to a new level' on £49m bypass
Nottinghamshire hospitals plea for help as staff facing 'huge amount of pressure'
The latest traffic and travel news from Nottinghamshire Live
