Council consults on boosting its traffic enforcement powers

August 9, 2023

Residents are being asked to have their say on plans to get tougher on drivers who break the rules of the road.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has launched a six-week consultation on moving traffic enforcement for issues like stopping in yellow box junctions when the exit is not clear, making banned turns, and driving on routes for buses, taxis and bicycles only.

Essex 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 and ignoring ‘school street’ restrictions.

The council are consulting on the principle of adopting these enforcement powers and whether they should be introduced at ten sites across the City.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras would be installed at the ten sites to be enforced and Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) would be issued by post to the registered keeper of the vehicle.

The ten proposed sites selected were based on existing levels of motorist infringements, discussions with Essex Police and historic knowledge of junctions within the City.

The 10 sites proposed are:

Fairfax Drive at the junction with Prittlewell Chase

A13 London Road at the junction with Nelson Road

Cokefield Road at the junction with Hamstel Road

A13 at the junction with Elm Road

Greenways Primary school – School street

127 Eastbound (Bell interchange) at the junction with Rochford Road

Bournes Green Junior School – School street

A127 Prince Avenue at the junction with A1158 Prince Avenue

Nelson Road at the junction with A13 – No right turn

Warrior Square at the junction with Chichester Road

Cllr Kevin Buck, cabinet member for highways, transport and parking, said: “The new powers should improve road safety and traffic flow in key problem areas. Other benefits could include improved air quality and reduced emissions from standing traffic, increased public transport reliability and increased life of our roads and pavements.

“I encourage local people to have their say by taking part in the consultation. In line with legislation, any income from the PCNs issued will be reinvested back into projects that improve road safety and increase active and sustainable travel.”

Pending the outcome of the consultation, the council will apply to the Department for Transport next year to enforce the laws around yellow box junctions, one-way systems and illegal turns.

You can take part in the consultation on the council website. The consultation will close at 5pm on 15 September 2023.