Have your say on new traffic enforcement powers

Residents are invited to share their views on proposed new measures to enforce traffic restrictions.

Sunderland City Council is seeking residents' views as it has the opportunity to apply to the Department for Transport (DfT) for new civil powers to enforce moving traffic regulations.

New powers under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA) would allow the City Council to enforce certain types of moving traffic restrictions, for example cycle lanes, yellow box junctions, banned turns and no entries in locations where road users regularly ignore them.

The aims of undertaking enforcement would be to:

improve road safety
reduce traffic congestion
improve air quality
improve bus journey reliability
encourage highway users to choose sustainable transport

Enforcement would be carried out using established Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera technology to issue penalty charges sent by post for road users who ignore traffic restrictions.

Sunderland City Council's Parking Services Team would carry out this enforcement work as part of their current duties. The powers would enable the council to expand its work enforcing against unlawful and dangerous parking and misuse of bus lanes and bus gates.

Four locations on Fawcett Street, Durham Road, St Mary's Way, and Southwick Green have been identified as areas where these new powers could be used. They have been selected due to low levels of compliance with traffic rules and road safety concerns.

Before enforcement is undertaken the existing road signs and markings at each location would be assessed. Improvements would be made if necessary to ensure that the restriction is clear and in full compliance with the current traffic regulations.

Once in place, warning notices would be issued for first offences during the first six months of operation at each new site.

Cllr Kevin Johnston, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Dynamic City, said: "These proposals have been designed to increase the safety of our roads, reduce congestion, and increase the reliability of public transport in the city.

"I would encourage residents, businesses and interested parties to view the proposals online and submit their views, as this is an opportunity for you to engage with the council's plans and provide us with valuable feedback."

Residents can complete a short feedback form by visiting www.sunderland.gov.uk/Moving-Traffic-Enforcement. The survey is available online until 11:59pm on Sunday 1 October 2023.