Plans are being developed to use new powers to improve safety and tackle congestion by enforcing moving traffic offences.
Kent County Council (KCC) is applying to the Department for Transport (DfT) for these new powers, for offences that could previously only be enforced by the police.
If approved by DfT, specialist Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology would help ensure compliance of permitted signs. Moving traffic enforcement will only be applied where action is needed to meet key objectives such as to improve road safety and tackle congestion.
Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier
With the introduction of legislation, councils outside of London are preparing to enforce against offences including driving through ‘no entry’ signs, banned turns, entering yellow box junctions when the exit is not clear and driving vehicles on routes marked for buses and taxis only.
If KCC is granted these powers, we will be able to use them across Kent’s whole road network. Locations in Ashford, Dartford and Maidstone are among the first seven sites where we are looking at using these powers.
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier, said: “Our first step is to apply to the DfT to be included in the list of authorities that can enforce key highway offences.
“If KCC is granted these powers they will be used across the county in a phased approach.
“We hope better enforcement will help improve the compliance at these specific sites to make the necessary safety, congestion and public transport improvements and I would encourage people to get in touch with their views.”
The consultation opens today [15th March] and will close on 9th May. Visit www.kent.gov.uk/trafficmanagementact to find out more and have your say.
For any alternative formats, email alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 42 15 53 (text relay service number 18001 03000 42 15 53). This number goes to an answer machine, which is monitored during office hours.
ENDS
For more information contact Ellis Stephenson – ellis.stephenson@kent.gov.uk – in the KCC press office