Councils cashing in on road fines face losing new powers

LOCAL authorities could lose powers to profit from “unfair” driving fines under new government plans.

Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary, is understood to be concerned about the profits that councils are making by punishing motorists for minor offences and Government proposals, published over the weekend, state councils that ignore local opposition to low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNS) and 20mph zones could be stripped of their power to issue penalties.

The Department for Transport has now called for evidence on “restricting the generation of surplus funds from traffic contraventions”. The consultation, which will run until May 11, aims to inform the Government of current practice to shape future road policy.

Under the proposals, councils might only be able to keep money from penalty charges to cover enforcement costs with surplus funds paid to the Treasury.

Mr Harper said: “I want to hear the views of local councils but also motorists, motoring organisations and the public in general on this issue.

“Should the Government remove any suggestion there is a “profit motive” for local councils – such as by requiring any surpluses that councils might generate from new charges to be repaid to His Majesty’s Treasury – after the costs of enforcement have been repaid?”

The move comes amid fears motorists are being punished by schemes such as LTNS, which have become more prevalent since the pandemic.

The systems are designed to reduce traffic and cut carbon emissions in residential areas. However, critics argue that air pollution is simply moved elsewhere

‘Should the Government remove any suggestion of a “profit motive” by taking the surplus off councils?’

and the traffic systems can hamper the response times of emergency services.

On Tuesday, The Telegraph reported that more than half of drivers face being fined for traffic offences by councils under a new “war on motorists”.

Dozens of councils were found to have applied for the right to fine drivers caught in yellow boxes, or who make illegal U-turns or drive in bus lanes.