Residents are being asked to have their say on plans to get tougher on drivers who break the rules of the road.
Bolton Council has launched a six-week consultation on moving traffic enforcement for issues like stopping in yellow box junctions and banned right turns.
Greater Manchester Police currently deal with moving traffic offences, but the council are applying to also have enforcement powers to crackdown on illegal driving and make our roads safer.
Alongside the police, the council would be able to fine drivers who break the rules of the road, for example using yellow box junctions illegally.
The council are consulting on the principle of adopting these enforcement powers and whether they should be introduced initially at five box junction sites.
Although the five sites are box junctions, future proposals could include other types of moving traffic offences like driving in cycle lanes and illegal u-turns or right turns.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be installed at the five sites to be enforced and Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) will be issued by post to the registered keeper of the vehicle.
The five sites selected were based on existing levels of motorist infringements, discussions with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and historic knowledge of junctions within the borough.
The five sites are
- Blackburn Road/Lawson Street
- Trinity Street/Newport Street
- Topp Way/Higher Bridge Street
- Bridge Street/St George’s Street
- Cricketers Way/Leigh Road
Cllr Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council, said:
“The new powers could improve road safety and traffic flow in key problem areas - and free up police resources to tackle more high-priority crime.
“I encourage local people to have their say by taking part in the consultation.”
Pending the outcome of the consultation, the council will apply to the Department for Transport next year to enforce the laws around such yellow box junctions, one-way systems and illegal turns.
Any future proposals for additional sites would be consulted on.
You can take part in the consultation here.
The consultation will close 6 September 2023.