Cheshire West 'hotspots' which could get CCTV to clamp down on traffic offences

The Government has now introduced part six of the Traffic Management Act 2004 which given local authorities powers to enforce traffic contraventions.

These can include making prohibited turns and stopping in yellow boxes junctions.

In England, these contraventions are currently largely enforced by the police except in London where councils already have these powers.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is currently considering whether to apply for such powers in order to tackle congestion and disruption on the road network.

As part of the process, the council has identified a number of 'hotspot' areas across the borough where mobile CCTV cameras could be used.

Cameras in these locations would capture moving vehicles that break the rules and penalty charge notices (PCNs) could then be issued to the owner of the vehicle.

Hotspot locations

Northwich & Winsford

Junction of Chapel Street and New Warrington Road, Wincham

Junction of Chapel Street and New Warrington Road, Wincham (CWAC)

Restriction: Restriction of good vehicles

Restriction times: Anytime

High Street, Great Budworth

Restriction: Restriction of good vehicles

Restriction times: Anytime

Chester

Junction of Nuns Road and New Crane Street

Restriction: No right turn into Nuns Road

Restriction times: Monday to Friday between 4.30pm and 6pm

Junction of Nuns Road and Grosvenor Road 

Restriction: Must turn left into Grosvenor Road

Restriction times: Anytime

Junction of Canals Street and Northgate Street

Junction of Canals Street and Northgate Street (Google)

Restriction: No right turn into Northgate Street

Restriction times: Anytime

Junction of Grosvenor Street and Cuppin Street

Restriction: No right turn into Cuppin Street

Restriction times: Anytime

Cuppin Street

Restriction: One way; motorised vehicles must travel one way only in a westerly direction from Grosvenor Street until entrance to the Court

Restriction times: Anytime

Milton Street

Restriction: One way only; motorised vehicles must travel one way only in a westerly direction from Egerton Street until access to Mill Hotel

Restriction times: Anytime

Whitefriars

Whitefriars (Google)

Restriction: One way only; motorised vehicles must travel one way only in a westerly direction from the junction of Bridge Street until access to car park at side of Bank House Dental Practice

Restriction times: Anytime

Junction of Castle Drive and Grosvenor Road

Restriction: No right turn out of Castle Drive

Restriction times: Monday to Saturday between 4.30pm and 6.30pm

Junction of Grosvenor Road and Castle Drive

Restriction: No right turn into Castle Drive from Grosvenor Road

Restriction times: Monday to Saturday between 4.30pm and 6.30pm

Junction of St Oswalds and St Annes Street

Restriction: No left turn on St Annes Street

Restriction times: Anytime

Ellesmere Port

Civic Way

Restriction: No entry except buses

Restriction times: Anytime

Consultation still open

A consultation is taking place and residents are encouraged to have their say.

The council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, Councillor Karen Shore, said: "Section Six of the Traffic Management Act 2004 will give the council powers to make the borough’s roads safer and less congested for all road users.

"Powers to enforce against moving traffic offences, such as banned turns, weight restricted roads and yellow box junctions will help to keep local roads moving, make them safer and make our air cleaner.

"The purpose of these powers is to better enforce existing restrictions, not to introduce new restrictions.

"The consultation closes on June 8, so it’s not too late to give your views."

If the powers are adopted, for the first six months, drivers would only be issued with a PCN for their second offence. After that period, a first offence would then result in a fine.

Anyone wishing to suggest locations where moving traffic enforcement should take place can email: parking@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or in writing to Parking Services, 4 Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 0BE.