Moving Traffic Offences (Traffic Management Act Part 6) Consultation 2025/26

Overview

Background 

Between November 2022 and January 2023, Trafford Council asked for public feedback on a proposal related to traffic enforcement. The proposal focused on allowing local councils, like Trafford, to apply for new powers to enforce certain traffic violations—known as Moving Traffic Contraventions. These types of offences were previously only enforced by the police. 

Moving traffic offences include: 

• Entering yellow box junctions when the exit is not clear 

• Driving through a 'No Entry' sign 

• Turning left or right when instructed not to do so 

• Driving where and when motor vehicles are prohibited 

• Driving on routes that are for buses and taxis only 

• Going the wrong way in a one-way street 

• Ignoring a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) 

Each proposed location must support at least one of the following goals (as outlined by the DfT application conditions): 

• Improve road safety 

• Encourage active travel choices 

• Tackle network congestion  

• Increase public transport reliability 

• Improve air quality 

• Increase lifespan of highway assets 

Trafford Council were granted these powers and we are currently enforcing at: 

• One box junction at A5063 / White City Circle roundabout (connecting Talbot Road to the A56 south bound or A5081 Trafford Road)  

• One box junction at the Manchester outer ring road / Junction 7 M60 / A56 (south of flyover) – Manchester bound.  

We currently utilise a camera car to enforce restrictions along our A56 red route and some schools to improve safety, air quality and journey time reliability. We will also be considering other areas of enforcement across Trafford.  

Trafford Council will be looking to expand the work we already do to improve road safety and tackle congestion. Trafford Council however, want to hear your views on expanding enforcement to other locations. 

How do Trafford Council plan to use the enforcement powers? 

We plan to use the powers to enforce illegal entry into yellow boxes at: 

• Site A: B5214 Trafford Boulevard / Redclyffe Circle / M60 Manchester Outer Ring Road Off Slip 

• Site B: Redclyffe Circle/M60 Manchester Outer Ring Road Off Slip Road/B5214 Barton Road

• Site C: B95214 Trafford Boulevard/Car Park Access 

• Site D: Trafford Way/Bridgewater Circle/B5214 Trafford Boulevard 

• Site E: Bridgewater Circle / Unnamed Road / B5214 Trafford Boulevard 

• Site F: White City Circle - Trafford Rd (A5603) intersection toward Chester Road 

How have sites been chosen? 

We continue to take a consistent and measured approach to enforcement, using cameras at sites where it has been identified there is an absolute need. 

Traffic surveys and stakeholder feedback has fed into a decision-making process in place to ensure that each site was chosen on the merits of how it will improve the area if traffic contraventions are enforced. 

We’ll continue to listen to our customers and stakeholders to help identify other locations that could be considered in the future, such as school streets. 

What will happen to the income generated by PCNs?

Unlike funds raised by speed camera fines, which are transferred to central government, any money raised through this enforcement will be kept by local authority, but must be spent on: 

• Recouping costs of enforcement 

• Paying for public transport provision 

• Paying for highway improvement projects 

• Paying for environmental improvements in the authority's area 

Should there be any money left over once the operational costs have been met, this will be used for highway improvement projects in line with strict government guidance. 

We hope that better enforcement would help improve compliance at these sites to make the necessary safety, congestion, and public transport improvements. As compliance improves, the number of PCN's would hopefully fall. 

When would enforcement start? 

The start date of enforcement will be dependent upon reviewing the survey responses and engaging with our supply chain. Any locations that are chosen will require minor civils works to enable the installation and testing of equipment.  Dependent on the aforementioned, it is expected that enforcement at some locations will start before summer 2026 and phased throughout the year. 

Prior to any enforcement we will provide an update using our communications channels.  

How will offences be enforced? 

The government have issued guidelines that regulate how local highway authorities must enforce moving traffic offences.  Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras must be Vehicle Certification Agency compliant and will be installed at the sites to be enforced and PCNs will be issued via post to the 'Registered Keeper' of the vehicle (in the same way bus lane cameras currently operate across the country). 

Will drivers be able to challenge PCNs? 

When a PCN is issued, there will be details on how a challenge can be made. As with parking PCNs, this must be in writing and within the timescales set out on the PCN. For the first six months of operation warning notices will be sent for first time offences. 

Why your views matter

We'd like to know your views on the new powers, and whether you have any alternative ideas or suggestions on how to reduce congestion and improve road safety on Trafford’s network and around schools.  

You’ll be asked a few short questions to let us know your thoughts. Once the consultation has closed, all responses will be carefully reviewed and used to inform the final design.