New powers now mean that dangerous drivers are now paying for illegal behaviour.
Motorists who endanger lives and cause congestion by ignoring traffic signs and markings are now being penalised in Waltham Forest. The only people who will be penalised are those who drive illegally, with no regard for their own safety that of other road users or pedestrians.
In 2003 the government legislated to empower authorities in London to assume the powers previously held by the Police for certain motoring offences including stopping in a yellow box, making banned turns, driving through a no entry sign. The government found this necessary as the Police had neither the time nor resources to properly enforce these regulations thus the behaviour of motorists went unchecked.
Following the legislation being made a pilot scheme was implemented in five areas of London, once these were complete a Code of Practice was finalised and all other boroughs were invited to apply for the authority to assume the new powers. Waltham Forest adopted these powers in June 2006.
The enforcement of Moving Traffic Contraventions is carried out using CCTV; with the illegal acts being observed in real time by Parking Attendants. Once the contravention has been captured a penalty is created and the registered keeper will then receive a £120 Penalty Charge Notice (correct at the time of printing). There is a 50% discount to £60 if the penalty is promptly paid.
Waltham Forest not only use CCTV cameras permanently sited on roadside columns but we also use Smart cars fitted with CCTV technology and a purpose built CCTV Van. So no matter where a motorist is they will be at risk of being recorded and receiving a penalty.
Penalty Charge Notices for these contraventions are similar to those for parking violation and breaches in Bus Lane regulations in that it is, in the majority of cases, the registered keeper who is liable for the penalty – not necessarily the driver unless the keeper is driving when the contravention is captured.
Waltham Forest are making positive moves in improving safety on the boroughs roads, statistics show that we are reducing the number of casualties each year through education and traffic management. The enforcement of moving traffic violations is seen as a further tool to help maintain the positive steps already made.
Anyone wishing to report repeated contraventions in their road or area can do so either on-line or by phone on 0845 331 2392
