Drivers caught stopping in yellow box junctions will be fined under new plans

Council chiefs are aiming to use new powers and number plate recognition to fine ‘thoughtless’ drivers committing traffic offences on Oldham’s roads.

In May this year the government changed rules to allow local authorities to conduct their own moving traffic enforcement in order to manage roads known to be hotspots for traffic offences.

, banned right or left turns, illegal U-turns and going the wrong way in a one-way street.

The powers had previously been held by the police, which was the only body outside London that could issue such fines.

But a survey by the Local Government Association of councils in England found that 67pc said that police did not actively enforce any moving traffic offences in their area.

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Oldham council has now launched a consultation on using the new enforcement powers in six areas of the borough.

Chiefs are hoping that cracking down on offences such as blocking junctions will help public transport, especially trams.

The authority will use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and will issue penalty charge notices to drivers breaking the law, who could be fined up to £70.

For the first six months of the new enforcement powers there will be an introductory period in which warning notices will be issues to motorists.

But after a first offence, a penalty charge notice will be issued to a driver during the introductory period if they are caught again.

The locations where the enforcement will take place are at the A62 Manchester Street, on the north-west side of Manchester Street where the tram route crosses over the road.

It will also be in place on the B6194 Glodwick Road at the junction of Hamilton