Nottingham City Council has greenlighted a comprehensive three-year Moving Traffic Enforcement (MTE) programme.
In a decision published this week, this initiative, valued at £600,000, aims to bolster highway investment with the implementation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) infrastructure across key city sites, according to the city council.
These restrictions, which are already in place but often ignored by drivers, include banned turns, illegal U-turns, and incorrect vehicle movements through specific zones.
Approved by the Executive Board in October 2023, the programme will be funded entirely from surplus income generated by traffic enforcement penalties. The decision is rooted in the council’s commitment to leverage Department for Transport (DfT) powers, enhancing the city’s traffic management capabilities.
Key Aims of the Programme
Investment Breakdown:
- Total Investment: £600,000 over three years
- Annual Allocation: £200,000
Funding Source:
The council’s financial outlook for the project is robust, with a reserve balance of £2.093 million in the Moving Traffic Enforcement ring-fenced reserve. The surplus income above expenditure for the fiscal year 2023/24, amounting to £932,368, will further augment this reserve to a total of £3,026,175. This ensures that the programme is financially sustainable and poses no negative impact on the council’s medium-term financial plan, says the council.
It is a regular occurrence for income to cover eligible costs in a financial year. However, as this is eligible revenue spend to administer the enforcement of the bus lanes if ever in an overspend position were to occur, the legislation states that funds can be drawn down from the ring-fenced reserve for this purpose.
The initiative has been endorsed by key council leaders, including Neghat Khan, Leader and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, and Sajeeda Rose, Corporate Director of Growth & City Development.
Primary Goals:
- Safety: Reduce road traffic accidents by enforcing compliance with traffic regulations.
- Capacity: Improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
- Accessibility: Ensure smoother movement for all road users, including public transport.
- Amenity: Enhance the overall road environment.
Using road safety reports, historical data, officer intelligence and citizen engagement, the council, following consultation with Nottinghamshire Police, is proposing four locations where these new powers would be useful.
Maid Marian Way at its junction with Friar Lane- No U-Turn (Southbound to Northbound). U-turning traffic is in direct conflict with a Green Man-phased pedestrian crossing creating a significant risk to road users.
Sheriffs Way/Queens Road at its junction with Arkwright Street- No Left / No Right Turns into Arkwright Street. Turning vehicles are in direct conflict with a Green Man pedestrian phasing creating a significant risk to road users and causing unnecessary congestion on Queens Road.
Shakespeare Street section from its junction with Goldsmith Street in an easterly direction for 110 metres (block paved pedestrian-friendly area). Vehicles travelling through an area of high pedestrian activity create a significant risk of injury to other road users.
Victoria Embankment from a point in line with the suspension bridge in a northwesterly direction for approx. 240 metres. Vehicles travelling through the recreational area in front of the war memorial create a significant risk of injury to other road users.
Penalty Charge Notices of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days, would be sent automatically to drivers who break the law at these locations.
© westbridgfordwire.com
