Moving traffic enforcement is a way of managing moving traffic behaviours by issuing penalty charge notices (PCNs) for motorists that breach restrictions using Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR) that are in place such as contravening banned left or right turns, entry to a pedestrian zone and ignoring a weight limit etc.
Previously, under criminal law, enforcement of Moving Traffic Offences could only be carried out by the Police. However, under the Traffic Management Act (2004), local authorities outside London can apply for the powers from the Department of Transport so that they have the authority to do this directly.
Enforcement locations
Wigan Council was granted authority to enforce against motorists who commit Moving Traffic Offences by Central Government in July 2023. These powers were initially granted to enforce against four locations where we know there are real issues with how people are driving and we undertook a six week consultation on. The four locations are known to experience a high level of contravention. These locations are as follows;
- Market Street, Atherton – There is a prohibition of driving except for buses Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 4.00pm traffic regulation order (TRO) in place for road safety reasons to protect pedestrians from motor vehicles, to reduce delays to buses and to enable passengers to get on and off buses very close to the shops. This TRO is regularly abused which causes pedestrian safety concerns.
Enforcement date is not yet confirmed.
- Winwick Lane, Lowton – There is a 7.5 tonnes southbound weight limit TRO in place to help mitigate the impacts of the HGV’s and to try and improve the air quality in this area. This TRO is regularly contravened, and the area is suffering from poor air quality.
- Enforcement will begin at this location on 25th November 2024.
- King Street, Wigan – There is a no left turn, except buses, taxis and cyclists onto Wallgate TRO in place to prevent through traffic, maintain road safety and enable active travel in Wigan town centre. This TRO is regularly abused which causes pedestrian safety concerns.
- Enforcement date is not yet confirmed.
- Bradshawgate, Leigh – There is a one way westbound from its junction with Union Street to its junction with Market Street TRO in place for road safety reasons to help prevent vehicle access eastbound into the pedestrian zone. This TRO is regularly abused by delivery drivers and others which causes pedestrian safety concerns.
- Enforcement date is not yet confirmed.
Key Benefits
In England and Wales, moving traffic offences are defined in law in Schedule 7 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (as amended) (external link).
In terms of Wigan borough, the key benefits of acquiring these moving traffic enforcement powers includes:
- Improved pedestrian and cyclist safety
- Reduced network congestion
- Improved journey times for public transport
- Improved air quality, reduction in transport related emissions contributing to carbon net zero targets.
Consequences of ignoring the rules
If you contravene the rules at the above locations, you may receive a fine also known as a penalty charge notice (PCN).
A PCN charge is £70. However if you pay within 21 days of the date of the notice, the charge will be reduced to £35.
If you don’t pay within 28 days, it will go up to £105.
To pay a PCN, please visit Parking fines.