Have your say on the enforcement of moving traffic

Residents are being invited to get involved in creating a safer, cleaner, and better-connected transport network to help everyone get to where they need to go safely and reliably.

Tameside Council is seeking views from residents before formally applying to the Secretary of State for a designation order, which if granted, would empower the council to enforce moving traffic contraventions. Public consultation on this proposal is now open, and people across Tameside have until Friday, 27 September 2024, to submit their thoughts.

As part of the application process to the Department for Transport (DfT), the council has monitored traffic across the network and identified two initial locations for enforcement, with more sites to be considered in the future.

The contraventions include ignoring banned right or left turns, stopping on yellow box junctions, and driving through ‘No Entry’ signs—all currently enforced by the police. With these powers, the council aims to create safer, less congested roads, improve air quality, and gain the ability to issue fines for these offences for the first time.

The council is particularly interested in feedback on two specific locations within the borough where moving traffic contraventions against yellow box junctions, could be enforced in the future. The locations are selected based on where changes would most improve safety, support active travel and public transport, and reduce congestion.

• Market Street / Greenside Lane junction, Droylsden
• Manchester Road / Moss Way junction, Ashton-under-Lyne

Launching today, the consultation includes an online survey and detailed information on the plans to help the community understand the proposal better. Feedback from the consultation will help the council address any issues with the proposed locations and consider potential future sites.

Cllr Laura Boyle Executive Member (Housing, Homelessness, Planning, Transport & Connectivity) said: "Extending the power to enforce moving traffic contravention has been long awaited, especially as our police force faces mounting challenges. This consultation presents an opportunity to reduce their burden and enhance road safety, giving residents a chance to have their say on the plans. If we decide to take this forward, borough-wide publicity will keep everyone informed and involved in the changes."

These proposed changes are part of the council’s vision to transform how people travel within the borough and create a safer, greener, and more connected transport network for everyone. The council will continue to work with residents and businesses on plans for any future sites.

The consultation is now open and closes on Friday, 27 September. The online survey, along with further information, can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/movingtrafficcontraventions