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Traffic enforcement survey

traffic enforcement survey

Wokingham Borough Council is seeking views from residents, businesses and other interested parties on its plans to apply to take over the enforcement of some moving traffic offences across the borough.

The consultation asks a few short questions and is available on the Engage Wokingham Borough platform from 21 November to 2 January 2023. 

Traffic offences

Moving traffic offences that would become enforceable by the council include offences such as driving through a ‘No Entry’ sign, turning left or right when instructed not to do so and driving where and when motor vehicles are prohibited. Currently, these offences can only be enforced by the police under criminal law. 

By being able to carry out enforcement itself, the council will be able to respond locally to areas it knows are problematic, and expand the enforcement it already does to maintain safe and accessible roads. 

The move comes after the Department for Transport (DfT) announced in 2020 that it would invite local highway authorities to apply for these powers from May 2022, under the Traffic Management Act (part 6). 

Following consultation, should the council want to apply an application will be submitted to the DfT in January 2023, with a start date dependent on central government but anticipated to be later in 2023. If successful, the council’s parking services team would manage the new enforcement powers through external contractors. 

Revenue

Under government guidelines, the council would mainly use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at chosen sites, with penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued for those who have committed an offence. Unlike revenue raised from safety camera enforcement which goes to central government, any income through this enforcement will be kept by the council and primarily spent on costs accrued to manage the enforcement, meaning that it contributes towards keeping the roads safe and traffic moving. Any extra income could only be used for highway improvements, public transport and environmental improvements. 

“We want to do all we can to ensure the safety of all road users,” said Councillor Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways. 

“Restrictions are put in place for a number of reasons. Safety is the main priority, but we also want to keep traffic moving, encourage sustainable travel and improve air quality. We want to hear from as many of you as possible. The survey is very short and will only take a couple of minutes to complete.” 

Take the Survey

For more information and to take the survey, please visit Engage Wokingham Borough

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