Have your say: Public consultation on greater powers of enforcement for moving traffic offences

St Helens Borough Council is seeking to apply for new powers that would enable them to enforce Moving Traffic Offences (MTOs), allowing the council to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to motorists who breach existing traffic restrictions.

Moving traffic offences include:

• making banned turns
• driving through a 'no entry' sign
• driving in a route for buses and taxis only
• driving through a school street, pedestrian or cycle zone
• entering a yellow box junction when the exit is not clear.

Currently, enforcement of these offences lies primarily with the police. However, under the Traffic Management Act (2004), local authorities outside London can apply to the Department for Transport (DfT) for powers to enforce MTOs themselves.

The council does not currently have these powers and must seek approval from government before any enforcement can take place. This is the first time the powers have been requested, following a request from the Council Leader following the change in administration earlier this year.

The proposal does not introduce any new restrictions but would give the council additional powers to enforce existing regulations, helping to ensure greater compliance and reducing the demand on Merseyside Police.

Enforcement would help to:

• improve road safety
• improve pedestrian and cyclist safety
• reduce congestion
• improve journey times for public transport
• improve air quality

The council's proposed approach is to secure borough-wide powers through an initial application focused on the existing School Street schemes, where the required regulation, signage and supporting infrastructure is already in place. This would minimise implementation costs and provide the foundation for wider enforcement capabilities across the borough in the future.

The initial locations proposed are:

- Barton Close (St Mary's & St Thomas Primary School)
- Dunedin Street (Thatto Heath Primary School)
- Foundry Street and Patterson Street (The District CE Primary School)

If approved, the powers could also support the enforcement of existing traffic restrictions designed to manage heavy goods vehicle movements. This would help discourage inappropriate HGV use of unsuitable routes, while supporting the wider management of traffic associated with major employment sites and industrial areas across the borough. 

Councillor Gary Edgerton, Cabinet Member for Business, Highways & Transport, said: "Keeping people safe on our roads is a key priority for us, whether they're driving, walking, cycling or using public transport.

"At the moment, the council does not have the powers needed to enforce moving traffic offences. Securing these powers would give us an additional tool to help improve road safety, keep traffic moving and make sure existing restrictions are followed.

"We want to hear from residents, businesses and anyone who regularly uses these routes. The views of those who live, work and travel in these areas will play an important role in helping us to decide how to move forward.

"To be clear, this isn't about bringing in new restrictions. It's about making sure the rules already in place are being followed - helping to make our roads safer for everyone while also reducing congestion and supporting cleaner air across our borough."

Any decision to proceed would be made after consultation feedback is reviewed.

Have your say

The public consultation runs for six weeks until 1 December 2026.

You can take part in the consultation online: www.sthelens.gov.uk/MTE

Alternative formats are available on request.