Solihull drivers face ?70 fines in these four locations

Four locations in Solihull[1] have been revealed as possible areas where drivers committing common traffic offences could be caught and fined. Misbehaving motorists could have their number plates snapped and receive a maximum fine of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

Solihull Council[2] announced it was considering the new powers handed down from the government, which aim to clamp down on infringements regularly going unpunished. Other local authorities in the West Midlands, including Birmingham City Council[3] and Walsall[4] Council, have already set out their intentions[5] to use the powers.

The authority would use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to identify drivers who break driving rules. The technology will catch drivers entering hatched yellow boxes when there is no exit, making a turn that is not allowed, making u-turns where they are banned or entering restricted areas.

It is hoped the new powers will make roads safer, particularly around schools, and reduce congestion. No decisions have been officially made yet as the council seeks to first gauge public opinion.

The first four locations where the council is looking to apply the powers are:

Cabinet member for environment and infrastructure Cllr Ken Hawkins said: “I am thinking about applying to the Secretary of State for these new powers so that we will be able to enforce moving traffic contraventions ourselves.

“These traffic rules can currently only be enforced by the police but if we get the enforcement powers we can also enforce these restrictions too, although I must make it clear this will not mean replacing existing Police powers.

“With these new powers and using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, we can increase enforcement and encourage driver compliance with the rules. Before I do anything I want to hear from as many residents and motorists as possible, so please go to Your Voice Solihull[7] and take part in the survey.”

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References

  1. ^ Solihull (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  2. ^ Solihull Council (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  3. ^ Birmingham City Council (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  4. ^ Walsall (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  5. ^ set out their intentions (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  6. ^ Spy cars coming to West Midlands roads to punish drivers for breaking road rules - this is when (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  7. ^ Solihull (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  8. ^ here (data.reachplc.com)

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