Moving Traffic Enforcement targets highways hotspots

A six-week consultation between Wednesday 5th August and Wednesday 16 September will consider the expansion of Moving Traffic Enforcement by automatic number plate recognition to eleven potential locations across Cheshire West and Chester, from which four sites will initially be selected.

The consultation will include an online survey, paper copies and alternative formats available on request plus an option to telephone, email, or write in to share views in addition to direct engagement.

Councillor Stuart Bingham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride said:

“We introduced the first phase of Moving Traffic Enforcement in 2024 and compliance levels at the first enforcement locations have improved significantly, leading to an overall reduction in contraventions of approximately 68%, indicating that drivers are adapting their behaviour and complying with the restrictions in place.”

in May, the Council reviewed a further 24 locations across the borough based on:

• Observed levels of non-compliance.
• Road safety concerns.
• Traffic congestion and network impacts.
• Public complaints and stakeholder feedback.
• Suitability for camera enforcement.
• The ability of alternative measures such as signage or engineering solutions to resolve the issue.
• Support for wider transport and environmental objectives.

Following this assessment, 11 locations were identified as suitable options for public consultation. The traffic restrictions at these locations are already in place. The proposal being consulted on is whether the Council should use approved camera technology to improve compliance with those restrictions.

Added Councillor Bingham:

“The consultation will gather feedback on the proposed use of camera enforcement at each location, before any implementation decisions are made. We would like to progress four locations this year where enforcement is most likely to deliver the greatest road safety, congestion management and compliance benefits.”

If the proposals are taken forward, the Council plans to introduce camera enforcement at four locations this year and a further four locations in 2027, in order to work within available resources.

Link to the on-line survey - https://participatenow.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/proposed-expansion-of-moving-traffic-enforcement

The proposed locations and existing restrictions

Chester

• Cuppin Street / Grosvenor Street – No Right Turn
• St Martin’s Way / Hunter Street – No U-Turn
• Grosvenor Road / Castle Drive – No Right Turn Out
• Grosvenor Road / Castle Drive – No Right Turn In
• A55 Slip Road / Vicars Cross – Yellow Box Junction
• Nicholas Street / Weaver Street – Yellow Box Junction
• St Martin’s Way / Princess Street – Yellow Box Junction
• St Martin’s Way / Hunter Street / Sens Close – Yellow Box Junction
   

The Government’s Department for Transport’s Part Six of the Traffic Management Act 2004 gives local authorities enforcement powers to enforce contraventions such as making prohibited turns and stopping in yellow boxes at junctions.