Councils outside London to have new road enforcement powers from December - RAC comment

Image: Getty

Reacting to reports that councils outside London and Cardiff will be given powers to enforce moving traffic offences (such as drivers stopping in yellow box junctions) from this December, RAC spokesman Simon Williams said:

“It’s right that councils outside London have the ability to enforce known rule-breaking hotspots, but we’re fearful that some authorities may be over enthusiastic in using their new powers for revenue raising reasons, to the detriment of drivers.

“While the Government has pledged to give councils advice on how best to let drivers know enforcement is taking place, what’s really needed is clear guidance on making sure enforcement is always carried out fairly. Drivers who blatantly ignore signage or highway rules should expect penalties, but there are instances which are not always clear-cut. For example, large yellow box junctions can be particularly problematic to get across without stopping, often due to their design, so it’s important common sense is applied rather than instantly issuing penalties to drivers. The first thing councils should do is review the road layout at these junctions to make sure drivers can negotiate them at all times, but especially at busy periods.

“We also feel it’s vital councils closely monitor the number of penalty charge notices issued from December, as very high volumes in one particular location is likely to indicate something is wrong, either with signage or the design of the road. In these circumstances, we feel it would be wrong for drivers to have to pay up. More broadly, there’s a good argument for authorities to issue warning letters in the first instance rather than fines. We also believe drivers should be able to appeal easily if, for example, they receive a penalty for slightly moving into a yellow box to allow an emergency vehicle through.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
New Electric Car Grant announced - RAC comment
Following the news the Government is to introduce a new Electric Car Grant (ECG) to encourage greater uptake in electric vehicles, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Government launches crackdown on ‘misleading’ private parking firms - RAC comment
In light of the Government launching a consultation on the legislation-backed parking code of practice, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “We desperately need a government-backed private parking code of practice to be brought into force to protect drivers.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
RAC issues warning to drivers as temperatures rise
With temperatures rising across the UK and a heatwave expected in many areas, RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said:
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to nearly 14 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

press.office@rac.co.uk

media.rac.co.uk