June law change opens door for councils to issue new traffic fines

Councils across England can now apply for extra powers to fine drivers for a range of traffic offences.

From 1 June, legislation around “moving traffic offences” has changed to allow authorities to apply to take on certain police powers.

Until now, councils in London were the only ones in England able to issue penalty charge notices (PCNs) for issues such as ignoring road signs or blocking junctions.

However, under chages to the Traffic Management Act 2004, authorities outside the capital can now apply to the Secretary of State for Transport to be named as the local “enforcement authority”.

This gives them the power to issue fines ranging from £20 to £105, depending on the seriousness of the offence and how quickly a driver pays the PCN.

The change in authority is intended to ease pressure on police forces and make it easier for councils to enforce road rules.

It allows them to issue fines to drivers who block yellow box junctions, who drive in cycle lanes or who ignore road instructions such as no entry or no left/right turn signs.

However, motoring experts have warned that the changes could lead to an “avalanche” of unfair fines if councils do not follow the proper guidance on how to implement and enforce the rules.