Sefton Council seeks views on proposals for three pilot projects at specific locations that will see it apply for new powers to crack down on bad drivers. Tony McDonough reports
Sefton Council is seeking public views on a proposal to crack down on bad drivers across the borough.
It is applying for powers to enforce certain traffic offences, including enforcement of driving in pedestrian only areas, making illegal U-turns and ignoring ‘No Entry’ signs.
As part of the application the authority is proposing to trial these new powers at three locations. They are Stanley Road in Bootle, Hastings Road in Hillside and Birkdale’s Windy Harbour Road.
Now it is asking the public for its views on the three locations and also any other locations they think it could look to enforce Moving Traffic Offences in the future. Sefton has to apply to the Government for these extra powers.
In Bootle the aim would be to stop drivers using the traffic restricted section of Stanley Road as a cut through. The council wants to create a safer and more traffic-free space for shoppers and visitors.
At the two school streets sites in Southport, the enforcement would look to stop unauthorised motorists using the roads during the start and end of the school day. This would protect pupils at Greenbank and Birkdale High Schools.
The proposed enforcement powers would see traffic on the above streets monitored by camera for monitoring offences. If successful in its application to the Government, the Council could have the powers to enforce restrictions by April 2024.
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Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulation and Compliance, said: “Our goal is to make our Sefton safer for everyone as well as improving air quality and ensuring our road networks are moving freely.
“These are not new restrictions, just new ways of enforcing them. Our next steps will be guided by the feedback we receive from this consultation and what it tells us about the proposed trial locations. I hope everyone will take part and have their say.”
As well completing the online consultation via www.yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk, people can also email their views to transport.planning@sefton.gov.uk or write to the Strategic Transport Planning and Investment Team at Magdalen House, Trinity Road, Bootle, L20 3NJ.