Drivers have been warned they could be subject to new traffic enforcement across the North of England as new powers are set to be introduced.
Kirklees Council revealed that it is seeking to take over police powers to fine drivers for traffic offences across the West Yorkshire borough.
The council has launched a public consultation on plans to enforce moving traffic contraventions, which will run until July 7.
The proposed powers would allow the council to penalise drivers who ignore 'no entry' signs, drive the wrong way down one-way streets, breach HGV weight limits, or block yellow box junctions.
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The move will see HGVs restricted from entering certain parts of the region
GETTY/PAThe power shift would mark a stark change from the current structure, which sees police only able to enforce these offences under criminal law.
The council plans to trial enforcement at six locations if granted approval by the Department for Transport.
These include HGV weight restrictions in Armitage Bridge and Flockton, no-turn restrictions in Milnsbridge, Roberttown and Lindley, and yellow box junctions at Heckmondwike Bus Station.
The six trial sites have been selected based on persistent traffic violations on Barnsley Road in Flockton, hoping to introduce a one-way HGV restriction.
Four locations will target illegal turning movements, including no left turns from Scar Lane at Milnsbridge, Child Lane in Roberttown, and Willwood Avenue/Weymouth Avenue at Lindley.
The Lindley location will also enforce a no-entry restriction.
Two yellow box junctions outside Heckmondwike Bus Station will be monitored to prevent drivers blocking the intersections.
The council stated these locations were chosen to improve road safety, reduce congestion, enhance public transport reliability and improve air quality.
Additional sites may be considered following the trial period, subject to Department for Transport approval.
Enforcement will be carried out using Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras that must be Vehicle Certification Agency compliant.
The council explained that Penalty Charge Notices will be posted to the registered keeper of any vehicle caught breaching restrictions.
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Drivers can be hit with a traffic fine for stopping in a yellow box junction PABut to help drivers adjust to the new rules, for the first six months after receiving enforcement powers, first-time offenders will receive warning letters rather than fines.
Any subsequent offences after the warning period, however, will result in a £70 penalty charge, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
The council stated that income from the traffic penalties will cover enforcement costs, support public transport provision, fund highway improvement projects and environmental improvements across Kirklees.
Deputy council leader Moses Crook, who holds the housing and transport portfolio, said: "This is a valuable opportunity for the council to take action in our communities where traffic offences of this kind are most common.
"By addressing these issues, we aim to improve road safety for everyone, including those who walk, wheel and cycle, making active travel a safer option for more people.
"This initiative will help to ease congestion, improve journey times for public transport and create a safer, cleaner environment, especially around our schools."
Weight restrictions will be put in place for HGVs
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Green Party leader Andrew Cooper welcomed the proposals, noting his party had campaigned for the enforcement of weight limits in Armitage Bridge and Flockton for years. "We are pleased that action is finally being taken," he said.
Cooper highlighted the longstanding issues in Armitage Bridge, stating: "It is 10 years since we successfully campaigned with local residents to get a weight limit through Armitage Bridge.
"The ongoing issue has been the lack of enforcement of the weight limit. The introduction of ANPR cameras will be welcomed by many local residents in the village."
If approved, the proposal must pass through Parliament, with a decision expected by November 2025.
The council emphasises that enforcement sites may be adjusted based on the trial's outcomes and community feedback.
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