Council can now fine you for U-turns
GOVERNMENT GIVES ‘POLICE POWERS’ TO AUTHORITY
NOTTINGHAM City Council has confirmed it will now be able to fine motorists for traffic offences including illegal U-turns.
The Government introduced legislation giving local councils new powers to fine offending motorists – powers that were previously only held by police.
The city council will be using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to enforce the offences, with fines of £70 possible.
The authority ran a public consultation on its plans in 2022 and it has now been confirmed that the new powers are coming into force.
Locations included in the city council’s consultation were Maid Marian Way at its junction with Friar Lane, where the authority said it would tackle drivers making U-turns.
Other locations include:
■ Sheriffs Way/ Queens Road at the junction with Arkwright Street. The council will take action against those turning into Arkwright Street
■ The section of Shakespeare Street from its junction with Goldsmith Street. Vehicles are prohibited from travelling through the area
■ Part of Victoria Embankment. Vehicles are prohibited from travelling through the recreational area in front of the war memorial.
The plans mean the council will be able to fine offending motorists £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. Councillor Audra Wynter, portfolio holder for highways and transport at the time of the consultation, previously said: “I welcome the Government’s decision to change the regulations to allow civil enforcement. “Currently only the police can enforce moving traffic offences, but it’s not a priority for them. Motorists who ignore these restrictions can pose a real danger to the most vulnerable road users, so we must act to protect them.” The council says money generated from fines will be ring-fenced to be spent on transport and public transport improvements. A spokesperson also said that, ultimately, drivers sticking to the Highway Code would not be fined.
Currently only the police can enforce moving traffic offences, but it’s not a priority for them.
Councillor Audra Wynter