A moving traffic contravention occurs when a driver does not comply with a traffic restriction or traffic sign. Examples include making a prohibited turn, stopping in a yellow box junction or driving where motor vehicles are prohibited.
We’re investing in Portsmouth’s transport network to help ensure everyone can get where they need to go safely and reliably.
Moving Traffic Enforcement (MTE) is one of a number of measures designed to improve road safety, reduce congestion and support more reliable journeys across the city.
As part of preparing the scheme, the council continues to review the implementation approach for the approved enforcement locations. Further information on the specific movements to be enforced and associated camera locations will be provided as implementation progresses.
The council is taking a phased approach to implementation. An initial pilot scheme will be monitored and evaluated before any decisions are taken on progressing further sites.
Overview
The UK Government has granted powers to make moving traffic enforcement (under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004) available to local authorities outside London.
These powers enable councils to better manage locations where motorists perform dangerous or illegal manoeuvres, often referred to as moving traffic contraventions. They also allow Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, who currently enforce these restrictions, to focus resources on other policing priorities.
Moving traffic enforcement can help us:
- improve road safety
- reduce congestion and vehicle idling
- improve journey reliability
- reduce delays to public transport services
- support walking, wheeling and cycling
- improve compliance with existing traffic restrictions
What are examples of moving traffic offences?
Examples of moving traffic contraventions include:
Yellow box junctions
When a vehicle stops within a yellow box junction and blocks the free flow of traffic. This can lead to delays, congestion and safety issues at busy junctions.
Banned turns
When a driver ignores signs prohibiting a left turn, right turn or U-turn.
Restricted access routes
Driving where motor vehicles are prohibited, such as pedestrianised areas or roads subject to timed restrictions.
Bus, cycle and taxi-only routes
Driving on routes reserved for authorised vehicles.
Some responsibilities, such as speed enforcement, will remain with the police.
Where are we proposing the moving traffic enforcement?
to support road safety, improve traffic flow and ensure compliance with existing traffic restrictions.
The current approved enforcement locations are:
- St George’s Road / Park Road (Gunwharf Quays)
- Park Road / Anglesea Road
- Milton Road / Velder Avenue
- Anglesea Road / Bishop Crispian Way
The council is taking a phased approach to implementation. Specific contraventions to be enforced at each location, together with final camera locations, are currently being reviewed and will be confirmed as the programme progresses.
Rudmore Roundabout / M275 Slip Road is no longer included in the current programme.
How will it work?
Vehicles that do not follow traffic restrictions can put other road users at risk, especially people walking, cycling and wheeling.
Where enforcement is introduced, cameras will be used to identify vehicles that do not comply with existing traffic restrictions. The cameras capture vehicle registration numbers and evidence of the contravention, allowing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to be issued where appropriate.
There will be a warning period when enforcement first starts to help residents and road users understand the system before penalties are issued.
All locations are covered by existing Traffic Regulation Orders and compliant road signage. The council is also considering whether additional “enforcement in operation” messaging may be provided at sites where enforcement is introduced.
In line with legislation, any income received from Penalty Charge Notices must be reinvested into transport and highway-related improvements.
Consultation
The council consulted on proposals for moving traffic enforcement between 18 August and 29 September 2023.
During final preparation for implementation, a review identified an opportunity to provide clearer information about the specific traffic movements affected at some locations. The information on this page has therefore been updated to help residents and road users better understand the restrictions being considered.
The council is taking a phased approach to introducing moving traffic enforcement. An initial pilot scheme will be monitored and evaluated before decisions are made on progressing further locations.
During the consultation period, we engaged with emergency services, local councillors, community groups, accessibility organisations, cycling organisations and other stakeholders.
