Trafford Council has launched a public consultation before stepping up enforcement action around yellow box junctions at some of the borough’s busiest locations.
Plans are intended to improve safety and ease congestion around the Trafford Centre area.
Currently, two fixed cameras capture yellow box junction offences in Trafford at White City Circle and Junction 7 of the M60 and a third, mobile camera covers other trouble spots.
Now the Council wants to add more fixed cameras using Automatic Number Plate Recognition, including at junctions around the Trafford Centre, where drivers entering yellow boxes, when the exit is not clear, leads to congestion, delays and even accidents.
Motorists may receive a fine for £70 in the post if they are caught on camera waiting within a hatched area.
Members of the public have six weeks to give their views before a firm action plan is put together. Responses will be reviewed and considered before any new cameras go up, which is set to happen this summer.
Locations being considered to put 24/7 cameras are:
They would be in addition to the current, fixed cameras at:
Breaking yellow box rules is classed as a Moving Traffic Offence alongside driving through a 'no entry' sign, turning left or right when instructed not to do so, driving where and when motor vehicles are prohibited or on routes that are for buses and taxis only, going the wrong way in a one-way street and ignoring a Traffic Regulation Order.
For the Department for Transport to allow enforcement action, the Council must show that it will improve road safety, encourage active travel choices, tackle congestion, increase public transport reliability or air quality, or increase the lifespan of highways.
The Council also operates a mobile camera vehicle to enforce restrictions along the A56 Red Route and at schools to improve safety, air quality and journey time reliability.
Unlike funds raised by speed camera fines, which are transferred to central government, any money raised through this enforcement will be kept by the Council to be spent on recouping the costs of enforcement, public transport provision, highway projects or local environmental improvements.
Cllr Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services, said:
“We want to use this enforcement action to deter rule breaking and improve safety and traffic flow for all road users.
“Before we finalise the plans we want to gather as many views as possible. We are keen to hear from people who have alternative ideas or suggestions on how to reduce congestion and improve road safety on Trafford’s network.”
Complete the short questionnaire online.