The council was granted these powers by government in 2023 following public consultation. Cabinet is now being asked to approve the setting up of a dedicated MTE function within the parking team.
Councillor Richard Herrett, Cabinet member responsible for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, said:
“This is about making life easier and safer for people travelling around BCP, whether that’s heading to work, getting children to school or simply moving around our towns.
“Most drivers do the right thing, but when rules are ignored, it can quickly lead to blocked roads, delays and dangerous situations – particularly near schools and busy crossings. By improving how these rules are followed, we can keep traffic moving and reduce risks for everyone.
“This isn’t about catching people out, it’s about creating safer streets, clearer junctions and more reliable journeys.”
MTE allows councils to use cameras to enforce certain traffic rules that are already in place, such as:
- Entering a yellow box junction when the exit is not clear
- Making banned turns
- Driving through pedestrian zones
- Using routes where motor vehicles are not allowed
When drivers ignore traffic restrictions, it can cause delays and put people at risk. A blocked yellow box can bring traffic to a standstill, delaying buses, emergency vehicles and everyday journeys. Ignoring banned turns can create dangerous situations for pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers.
Collision data and recent monitoring across 21 example sites show the scale of the issue in the BCP area. In just one week of monitoring, more than 5,000 traffic rule breaches were recorded at these sites – including prohibited turns and people driving into pedestrian zones.
Over three years, more than 70 collisions were recorded within 100 metres of the same locations, including serious and fatal incidents.
Together, the figures show a clear opportunity to support safer roads, reduce the risk of collisions and help traffic move more smoothly.
Evidence from a London pilot suggests moving traffic enforcement can help make roads safer, with casualties at the monitored sites falling by almost 20%. The same pilot, which looked at 15 sites, also saw moving traffic offences fall by more than 20% overall.
Cllr Herrett added:
“These figures highlight the seriousness of the issue on our roads and why action is needed. Traffic rules exist to keep people safe and journeys moving, and Moving Traffic Enforcement will help deliver clearer junctions, safer crossings and more reliable travel across BCP.
”This is about improving driving behaviour so fewer people break the rules. Our aim is simple: safer streets, fewer delays and a road network that works better for everyone.”
No decisions have been made about camera locations at this stage.
(Picture: BCP Council)
