Automatic £130 fines for minor driving offences coming in latest shake-up of UK’s roads

Drivers could face fines of £130 for minor offences as the Government considers handing local councils new powers to improve roads for cyclists and pedestrians. Motorists straying into cycle lanes or stopped in box junctions could face automatic civil penalties currently enforced by the police. The money generated from the fines will reportedly be used to fund traffic-reducing measures. Junior Transport Minister Baroness Vere revealed that the Government are looking into giving councils enforcement powers under the 2004 Traffic Management Act. Cycling campaigners and council chiefs believe tougher enforcement of traffic laws is needed as commuters shun trains and buses for more hygienic modes of transport. Local councils in London already use cameras to issue more than a million £130 penalty notices every year. Lib Dem peer Lord Bradshaw asked Ministers if they planned to extend powers in the Transport Management Act 2004 (section 6) to authorities outside London, to better enforce moving traffic offences and protect cyclists and pedestrians. Baroness Vere replied: “We are giving thought to the role these powers could play in helping councils to deliver their transport recovery plans.” Section 6 of the Traffic Act covers violations including waiting in box junctions, driving in cycle lanes and driving in the wrong direction on one-way streets.

The Local Government Association, which represents councils, says they need the powers because police have “largely ceased to enforce moving traffic offences”.

Campaign group Cycling UK urged Ministers to “allow local authorities to take on responsibility for enforcement action against those who infringe mandatory cycle lanes”.

The move comes shortly after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced a £2 billion package to boost cycling and walking infrastructure.

Pop-up cycle lanes and wider pavements are part of the plan to support double the number of people cycling and walking to work by 2025.

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Earlier this month Mr Shapps also set a target of filling 11 million potholes as part of a multi-billion pound investment into the UK’s roads. The £1.7 billion boost aimed at transforming roads and maintaining the cleaner air levels recorded during lockdown includes improved access to electric car chargers. Do you think councils should have the power to automatically fine drivers for these minor offences? Will the changes really improve journeys for cyclists and pedestrians in the long run? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.