Drivers could soon be fined at seven Manchester junctions with council set to get new powers

Drivers could be fined up to £70 for breaking rules at seven junctions across the city if Manchester council gets new powers previously held by the police. The town hall has selected seven sites where it would enforce restrictions which are already in place but police do not have the resources to enforce.

The local authority will launch a six-week public consultation on the scheme before it would come into effect in May 2023, if approved by the government. It follows a change in legislation which allows local authorities to enforce moving traffic offences such as blocking yellow boxes and banned turns.

Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, first-time offenders would receive warning letters before the full £70 fine is issued. These fines would be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days of the offence.

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It is hoped that dealing with 'inconsiderate driving' will help public transport - particularly trams - by removing blockages and potentially improve air quality. But first, councillors will have to approve the seven sites where restrictions would be enforced at an executive meeting on Wednesday (September 14).

The proposed sites and restrictions are:

An initial list of 15 sites was identified based on suggested 'problem areas' provided by Transport for Greater Manchester, the council and the police. Five potential trial sites were then selected to create a shortlist which was presented to councillors at a scrutiny committee meeting earlier this year.

The committee was supportive of the scheme but suggested that a range of restrictions are included in the trial allowing the council to learn more from it. A further two sites -