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.”
Does look nice with the corvette wheels, are you going to change the colour as well.
