New powers to fine motorists who are caught breaking a number of ‘moving traffic offences’ could soon be granted to Sefton Council.
The local authority would use number plate recognition technology (ANPR) to issue £70 fines, reduced to £35 if paid within three weeks.
Fines would be issued to drivers caught committing moving traffic offences, including prohibition of driving, school streets, yellow box junctions, one-way streets, and prohibited turns.
Four initial areas have been identified where the new rules would be in force, which would include two in Southport and two in Bootle.
The two in Southport are in the streets surrounding Birkdale High School and Greenbank High School and would be used to enforce the council’s new ‘School Street’s scheme which was launched earlier this month.
The scheme is the firstin Sefton to trial a brand new active travel scheme, which bans cars from the immediate streets outside to make travelling to school safer for pupils. .
The locations chosen for the initial application are:
- Hastings Road, junction Waterloo Road, Birkdale – School Street for Greenbank High School. Prohibition of Driving 8 – 9.15am and 2– 4pm Monday to Friday
- Windy Harbour Road, Birkdale – School Street for Greenbank High School. Prohibition of Driving 8 – 9.15am and 2– 4pm Monday to Friday
- Stanley Road northbound, junction of Merton Road, Bootle – Prohibition of Driving 7am – 7pm except for Buses, Taxis and Loading
- Stanley Road southbound, junction Marsh Lane, Bootle – Prohibition of Driving 7am – 7pm except for Buses, Taxis and Loading
Once cameras are installed and compliance is achieved, then new locations will be considered in the future.
Birkdale High students have launched their School Streets pilot 😍🚴🏻♀️🚶🏼
They’ve worked with parents, teachers and residents to create a safer, greener environment around @BirkdaleHS
Find out more >> https://t.co/IkvqFo9UpY#MySefton pic.twitter.com/JKEAFuzjyv
— Sefton Council (@seftoncouncil) July 4, 2023
In his report, Sefton Council Assistant Director (Place) Highways & Public Protection Peter Moore said: “Since May 2022, local authorities with highways responsibilities, have been able to take on the powers for the enforcement of certain moving traffic offences, including prohibition of driving, school streets, yellow box junctions, one-way streets, and prohibited turns.
“These powers do not affect speed enforcement or obstruction of the highway which remain within the sole remit of the police.
“Unlike the decriminalisation of parking enforcement in 2004 this process does not remove the ability for the police to enforce moving traffic contraventions.
“To be afforded these powers the council is required to apply to the Department for Transport. There have already been two ‘tranches’ of applications during which some 40 local authorities (including Liverpool, Wirral, Lancashire and Wigan in this area) have applied for the powers. The current tranche of applications needs to be submitted by 25th October 2023 which if successful would result in the council being given the power to enforce by April 2024.
Fantastic to be working together as a community to support safe School Streets with pupils, Sustrans, residents and our parents and carers who have made it a reality by ensuring Hastings Road is traffic free at the beginning and end of the school day. pic.twitter.com/6dNsNHpkVb
— Greenbank High School (@greenbankhs) July 4, 2023
“To provide enforcement at chosen locations the council will be required to utilise Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras. In line with Government requirements during the first six months of enforcement warning notices must be issued for a first offence which allows the council to engage directly with drivers to educate them to the contravention that they have committed.
“A contravention results in a Penalty Charge Notice of £70 being issued with a 50% discount if paid within the first 21 days.
“By taking on these powers, the council will be able to provide a more robust and effective enforcement provision.
“Effective enforcement and subsequent increase in compliance will support: Making roads safer Improving Air quality Improving journey times and reducing congestion.
“Some initial locations must be included in the application. However, once the powers have been granted the council will be able to consider other locations without having to apply to the Department for Transport each time.”
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