Motorists hit by new traffic £70 penalties local authority begins enforcing stricter rules

Drivers in Solihull have been warned of new traffic enforcement cameras being rolled out across the borough in a bid to improve road safety, reduce congestion and crack down on dangerous driving.

The first cameras began operating earlier this month at the A34 Stratford Road and Richard Lewis Way junction in Shirley, where they are enforcing a ban on prohibited U-turns.

Three more camera locations are due to follow, although the council has yet to confirm when they will go live.

Three more camera locations are due to follow, although the council has yet to confirm when they will go live.

The additional sites are:

B4102 Warwick Road/New Road junction – enforcing drivers who enter and stop in a yellow box junction.

Elm Farm Avenue, Marston Green – enforcing a ban on driving through a School Streets zone except for access.

Station Road into Poplar Road – enforcing restrictions on entering and waiting in a pedestrian zone except for access.

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Solihull Council explained the cameras are designed to improve road safety, reduce congestion, improve air quality and encourage more active travel.

The authority is one of a growing number of councils across England that the Government has granted powers to enforce moving traffic offences using cameras.

According to the council, the four sites were selected following a public consultation, independent road safety assessments, collision data, traffic offence records and site surveys.

Councillor Ken Hawkins said: "I am pleased to see these new powers rolled out in Solihull, which strengthens our commitment to improving road safety."

He added that while the majority of motorists do follow the rules, "there is a minority who don't, putting others at risk."

"Stronger enforcement at these locations will reduce dangerous manoeuvres, cut congestion, and ultimately make our roads safer for road users and pedestrians alike – including school children," he said.

Drivers caught breaking the rules will not automatically receive a fine. For the first six months after each new camera becomes operational, anyone committing an offence for the first time will receive a written warning instead.

However, repeat offenders during those six months will be issued a Penalty Charge Notice.

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Once the warning period ends, all offences detected by the cameras will result in a fine.

However, the council noted that the £70 penalty can be reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. Motorists can challenge the penalty by appealing within 28 days of the PCN being issued.

The council said it has up to 56 days to consider an appeal and respond with its decision.

Only the registered keeper of the vehicle, or someone with their written permission, can submit an appeal.

The council detailed how the cameras are funded through its Civil Parking and Bus Lane Enforcement reserve.

After installation, the scheme is expected to become self-funding, with any surplus income returned to the ring-fenced enforcement fund.

The move reflects a wider trend across England, where councils are increasingly using camera enforcement to tackle moving traffic offences at busy junctions, school streets and pedestrian zones.

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