Drivers across Lancashire are facing significant changes to traffic enforcement from Monday, with four specific dangerous manoeuvres now banned at key locations. Motorists who attempt these prohibited actions will risk receiving a £70 penalty charge notice under newly implemented rules.
New Traffic Enforcement Powers Activated
Lancashire County Council has introduced new powers to target moving traffic offences, focusing on improving road safety by deterring risky driving behaviours. The scheme officially goes live from February 2nd, utilising Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology to identify offenders.
Four Targeted Locations Across Lancashire
The council has initially implemented these enforcement measures at four specific locations where dangerous manoeuvres have been identified as particular problems:
- Charnley Street in Preston
- Ringway/Bow Lane junction in Preston
- Hyndburn Road at the entrance to McDonalds in Accrington
- Morecambe Road at the entrance to Aldi in Lancaster
These locations include prohibited turns and a one-way street where specific restrictions now apply.
Six-Month Warning Period Before Fines
During the first six months of enforcement, drivers will receive a warning letter for their first offence rather than an immediate fine. This educational approach aims to inform motorists about the contravention they have committed.
Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport at Lancashire County Council, explained: "The aim of this scheme is to improve road safety by deterring drivers from making these dangerous manoeuvres. Using new powers which target moving traffic offences, we will be stopping drivers from making illegal U-turns, going the wrong way up one-way streets and making prohibited manoeuvres."
He added: "For the first six months, drivers will receive a warning letter for a first offence to let them know that they've made a potentially dangerous manoeuvre. People should already know the rules of the road, but this will help to educate anyone who isn't aware. After that, they will receive a fine."
Specific Offences Being Targeted
The new enforcement focuses on four specific types of moving traffic offences:
- Turning left, right or making U-turns when instructed not to do so
- Driving the wrong way up one-way streets
- Entering yellow box junctions when the exit is not clear
- Driving where or when motor vehicles are prohibited
Penalty Structure and Enforcement Details
After the initial six-month warning period, enforcement will become stricter. If the same vehicle is recorded committing a second offence within the warning period, the driver will receive a Penalty Charge Notice.
The standard penalty is set at £70, but this is discounted to £35 if paid within the first 21 days. Following the initial six-month period, Penalty Charge Notices will be issued for first offences without the warning letter stage.
This represents a significant shift in traffic enforcement for Lancashire, moving beyond traditional parking offences to target moving traffic violations that directly impact road safety. The council hopes this approach will reduce accidents and improve traffic flow at these problematic locations.
