Councils to Enforce Motoring Offences in 2017?

[Bones28]

Not to be a killjoy, just some info to be aware of.

 

Under a new proposal put forward to the house of commons, councils across the UK could be handed new powers to fine motorists for minor motoring “offences”.

 

If approved by MPs in the New Year it will mean that the enforcement of “moving traffic offences” will switch from the Police to councils.

 

Currently this system of council enforcement is only allowed in London boroughs, due to some legislation passed more than a decade ago.

 

One council “money trap” in Fulham — Britain’s most lucrative box junction — has made more than £12 million in fines over the past 7 years.

 

In another area of London, a bus lane camera earned the council £525,000 after just one week of operation!

 

Councils outside of London can only currently fine motorists for either parking violations or for entering a bus lane.

 

However, that’s all set to change if the proposal is approved.

 

The AA have said they think the new powers would see hundreds of new CCTV cameras go up across the country as part of a new “war on motorists”:

 

“The real problem with a proposal like this is that once local authorities get the powers and start pulling the cash, they get addicted.

 

“They get dependent on the cash and even when flaws in their traffic management are revealed they have no desire to change it, as the cash will dry up.”

 

The MP and roads campaigner, Charlie Elphicke said: “This a terrible idea and will see councils using motorists as a cash cow.”

 

“Giving the councils total control of when and how to fine millions will be too big an opportunity for them.”

 

Councils across the UK are currently averaging £4 million a day from parking fines (which is one of the two “offences” they are already allowed to enforce).

 

Howard Cox from FairFuel commented: “This sounds like nothing more than a money raising scheme to replace Government shortfalls in local funding.”

[bigh]

Interesting, I wonder where all the money generated from this would end up???? Not back in the local community I am sure. Probably some off shore/investment company, with connections to the Council :taz:

 

Lets f*i#g hope that this doesn't get passed!

[Stephen]

I hate, actually f-ing hate driving in London. Not only because it's a congested rats nest of a place where the road layout changes daily and you pay for the pleasure of driving there. But because it's like one giant trap, from psychotic cycles and phantom bus lanes to areas like Islington with its blanket 20mph restriction. I'd rather drive through Amsterdam or Brussels on the wrong side of the road than that place. If the rest of the UK follows suit, il be hanging up my car keys and buying a push bike.