Drivers could be fined by council in five problem areas after law change

Stockport council could start enforcing driving offences in five locations across the borough. It comes after the law was changed last year to allow local authorities outside of London to fine motorists for ‘moving traffic offences’.Town halls can now apply for powers previously only held by the police - enabling them to issue penalty notices to drivers for these offences for the first time. This could see councils hitting motorists with fines for violations such as driving through ‘no entry’ signs, blocking yellow box junctions and going the wrong way on a one-way street.Bosses in Stockport are now considering applying for the powers and initially intend to target a handful of problem areas. An online consultation reads: “The purpose of the new powers is so councils can manage specific road locations where there may be issues with persistent moving traffic offences.READ MORE: Stockport council tax bills to rise by 4 per cent - but more kids will get free school meals and every neighbourhood will get £10k for community projects

“Currently enforcement of moving traffic offences can only be carried out by the police under criminal law and a penalty notice issued.Stockport council will be looking to apply for the new powers to expand the work we already do to improve road safety and tackle congestion.”At first the council intends to use the powers at these five locations:

As well as improving road safety and reducing congestion, bosses say benefits could include quicker journey times on public transport, better air quality and more people walking and cycling.

If the powers are granted, the council says it would take a ‘consistent and measured approach’ when considering new sites for enforcement. The consultation adds that