New driving laws will 'stop councils profiting' from motorists slapped with unfair traffic fines
Yellow box junctions can see councils fine drivers more frequently
GETTY
Major changes are set to be introduced to protect drivers from being fined by “overzealous” councils for moving traffic offences.
The report states that local authorities should use “more discretion”, with drivers losing trust in councils if they are issued fines that are deemed to be unjustified.
One of the most commonly referenced problems faced by drivers is the enforcement of yellow box junctions, which are seen as particularly unfair.
While this is currently confined to London, councils around the country are benefitting from new powers to enforce these rules as well.
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With this becoming more widespread, there is an expectation that more drivers will be hit with fines for stopping in yellow box junctions.
According to the report, drivers often feel that the junctions are “confusing” and face penalty charge notices (PCN) as a result of this.
The Government said it would strengthen guidance on yellow box junctions, which would build on existing measures.
This could involve reviews of yellow box junctions where a disproportionate number of PCNs are issued.
In addition to this, a call for evidence will be launched to restrict a local authority’s ability to generate money from traffic contraventions.
The report suggests that these may create an incentive for over-zealous enforcement, especially yellow box junctions.
It continues: “This will help gather evidence of current practice and inform possible policy proposals.”
Commenting on the proposals, Edmund King, AA president, said: “The AA has long campaigned, on behalf of our members, to tackle some councils using moving traffic violations, such as yellow box junctions, to fleece drivers - often caught in a trap of poor road markings and bad signage.
“We welcome this review and hope councils act accordingly. Our 2017 ‘Caught in a Trap’ report shared with Government ministers highlighted issues around moving traffic offences and yellow box junctions.
“The AA has been raising issues about the poor state of local roads, over-running roadworks, badly designed yellow box junctions, private parking companies, 'smart' motorways and much more for many years.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said the long-term plan would address key elements of concerns set out by motorists around the UK.
Commenting specifically on councils, he said: “We will explore options to stop local councils using so-called ‘15-minute cities’, such as in Oxford, to police people’s lives; we will restrain the most aggressively anti-driver traffic management measures.
“We will make it clear 20mph speed limits in England must be used appropriately where people want them - not as unwarranted blanket measures. We will take steps to stop councils profiting from moving traffic enforcement.”
The Government has clarified that the “Plan for Drivers” will not replace the investment into public transport and active travel methods.
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Fines for yellow box junctions are frequently handed out in London
PA
It will sit alongside them and work as part of the Government’s long-term plan to help people across the UK “travel in the way that works best for them”.
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