Local authorities urge implementation of powers to enforce cycle lanes

Local authorities have called on the Government to implement legislation that would allow them to enforce cycle lanes.

Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004, if implemented, would also allow councils to tackle illegal U-turns and box junction offences.

The LGA said the move would enable them to protect cyclists. Transport for London has enjoyed similar powers for a number of years, it said, but police outside London admitted to not having sufficient resources to enforce them.

The Department for Transport currently sets fines associated with the legislation centrally. The majority of moving traffic offences receive £130 fines, but this can be halved if paid within 14 days. Fines outside London are likely to be lower.

Councils in Wales have already been handed Part 6 powers by the Welsh Government.

The LGA said the aim would be to target congested junctions or stretches of road. “This would be publicised and clearly sign-posted with warning letters initially issued to raise awareness while persistent offenders would end up with a fine,” the LGA said.

“Most offences could be enforced by existing CCTV cameras but traffic officers could also issue fixed penalty notices.”

Ahead of giving evidence to a Parliamentary committee, Cllr Mike Haines, of the LGA's Economy and Transport Board, said: "Very little is currently being done to stop the minority of inconsiderate and dangerous drivers who block cycle lanes and bus lanes, pull up in cycle boxes at traffic lights and clog box junctions. Not only do these needless infringements cause frustration to responsible motorists, they can also put cyclists at risk by forcing them into busy traffic.

"If the Government is serious about championing cyclists, then it must hand councils outside London greater powers to tackle moving traffic violations. Granting councils the power to tackle impatient drivers who break the law and put cyclists at risk in an effort to shave seconds off their journey would undoubtedly also help ease congestion, reduce pollution and make roads safer for everyone."