Dudley Council is planning to apply for the new powers from government in a bid to improve road safety, tackle congestion and improve air quality.

If granted, this would allow the council to introduce targeted camera enforcement at identified individual problem locations for moving traffic offences, such as stopping in a yellow box junction, where not permitted to, making banned right or left turns or illegal U-turns, ignoring no-entry restrictions or going the wrong way in a one-way street.

The council has now identified three possible locations and is keen to hear residents’ views about potential enforcement at these sites and for people to suggest other possible locations. They are:

• Windsor Road / Richmond Street, Halesowen – No Entry
• Halesowen Road / Northfield Road, Netherton – Banned Right Turn
• Wolverhampton Road / Beachcroft Road, Kingswinford – Banned Right Turn

Subject to the outcome of the consultation, an application will be made to the Department for Transport to seek powers to enforce moving traffic offences in the borough, with the aim to begin implementing them in autumn 2024.

Full details on the proposals and a link to the online survey are available on the council’s website. The consultation runs until 10th September. Cllr Damian Corfield, cabinet member for highways and environment, said:

"We want to make our roads as safe as possible for drivers and pedestrians and these new powers will help us target those who commit moving driving offences in our borough. These sites have been chosen as initial possible locations for enforcement due to issues with drivers breaking the law there.

"Other locations will be considered in the future. By taking on enforcement powers we hope to change drivers’ behaviour, improve road safety and keep traffic moving, supporting our climate commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.

"We want to hear from as many people as possible about introducing enforcement in the borough and all responses will be considered before any application is made."

If a DfT application is approved, cameras could be installed at the locations specified in the application. Cameras could then subsequently be installed or moved to target different areas where problems have been identified, subject to further consultation.

Enforcement would be via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera technology, with Penalty Charge Notices of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days, sent automatically to drivers who break the law at these locations.

During the first six months of enforcement, warning notices will be issued for a first offence, instead of a Penalty Charge Notice.