News on West Berkshire School Streets Phase 2

From 31 May 2022, local highway authorities in England outside of London have been able to apply to the Secretary of State for new powers to enforce 'moving traffic offences'.

Moving traffic offences include:

Currently enforcement of moving traffic offences can only be carried out by the police under criminal law and a penalty notice issued. However, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced in 2020 that they would be fully implementing the remaining elements of the Traffic Management Act 2004 - Part 6 Civil enforcement of traffic contraventions. This allows local highway authorities, in this case West Berkshire Council, to undertake enforcement, as the offences have been decriminalised and can be treated as civil contraventions. Local highway authorities will be able to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCN), more commonly known as fines, to motorists.

West Berkshire Council will be applying for the new powers to expand the work we already do to improve road safety and tackle congestion.

How do West Berkshire Council plan to use the enforcement powers?

At first, we plan to use the powers wherever a School Streets Scheme has been implemented. As part of the feedback from our pilot scheme at the Calcot Schools at Royal Avenue/Curtis Road and Gatcombe Close, it was identified that although the majority of road users abide by the restrictions, there is a small but significant number of people that do not. This creates a risk for those that continue to support and participate in active travel.

Thames Valley Police support the principles of the School Street Scheme, and were able to provide enforcement for the launch and early stages of the pilot; however, it is not realistic to expect a continued Police presence to deter potential offences. The new powers will help us enforce the restriction, and keep children and families safe. We will install traffic cameras to monitor, and issue PCN's to those entering the restricted areas during the key school drop-off and pick-up times.

Why we want your views

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

How to take part

If you'd like to comment on our proposal, you can do so by email to Activetravel@westberks.gov.uk or by letter to School Streets - Part 6 Powers, Traffic and Road Safety Team, Environment Department, Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury, RG14 5LD. Please note that an anonymised summary of the consultation may be published.

The consultation is open until midnight on Tuesday, 20 September 2022.

If you have any questions, please contact Activetravel@westberks.gov.uk