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Drivers to be handed “automatic fines” for minor road traffic offences, Government reveals

A new automatic fining system for minor road traffic offences could come into force across England and Wales this summer, it has been revealed.

The proposals – intended to make the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians – will see new powers handed to local authorities to instantly fine non-compliant drivers.

While fines exist for these offences already, research shows that they are rarely used as police do not have the resources to prosecute every case.

Under the planned changes to the Traffic Management Act 2004, drivers could be fined £70 for up to 20 common traffic offences, such as driving in a cycle lane, making an illegal turn, or entering a box junction.

Automatic number plate recognition devices, as well as dashcam and CCTV footage, will be used to identify drivers caught breaking the rules.

The new rules will bring the rest of England and Wales in line with London and Cardiff, where similar systems are already in place.

The latest statistics suggest that, in London alone, over one million penalty notices are issued to non-compliant drivers each year, while both cities generated more than £58.2 million in instant fines between 2018 and 2019.

The new legislation is expected to come into force as soon as summer 2021.

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