Moving Traffic Enforcement (MTE)

Have Your Say on Proposed Moving Traffic Enforcement Powers

In 2022, the Government introduced changes to national legislation that enable local authorities outside London to apply for powers to enforce certain moving traffic offences under the Traffic Management Act 2004. These powers were previously enforced solely by the police

St Helens Borough Council is considering applying to the Department for Transport for these powers to help improve compliance with existing traffic restrictions and support safer, more efficient journeys across the borough.

We recognise that residents, businesses and visitors rely on the highway network every day to travel to work, school, shops and leisure destinations. When traffic restrictions are ignored, this can create avoidable dangers for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, contribute to congestion, impact public transport reliability and reduce air quality. Similar powers have already been adopted by a number of local authorities across the country to support safer and more effective management of their road network.

What is Moving Traffic Enforcement?

Moving Traffic Enforcement allows councils to use camera technology to enforce certain existing traffic restrictions and regulations. These can include:

School Streets
No Entry restrictions
Prohibited turns (such as No Left Turn or No Right Turn)
Certain pedestrian and cycle zones
Yellow box junctions
Weight restrictions

The powers do not create any new traffic restrictions. They simply provide an additional method of enforcing restrictions that are already in place. The police would continue to retain their existing enforcement powers.

Why is the Council Considering These Powers?

The introduction of Moving Traffic Enforcement could help to:

Improve road safety for all road users
Create safer environments around schools
Reduce congestion on the highway network
Improve journey time reliability for public transport
Encourage greater compliance with traffic restrictions
Support walking, wheeling and cycling
Improve local air quality
Enable police resources to be focused on other operational priorities

These outcomes are consistent with the Government's objectives for moving traffic enforcement and School Streets initiatives.

Why are we Starting with School Streets?

As part of this engagement exercise, the Council is seeking views on the use of Moving Traffic Enforcement at three existing School Streets locations within the borough.

School Streets are designed to create safer, healthier and more pleasant environments outside schools by restricting vehicle access during school arrival and departure times. National guidance recognises that School Streets can improve road safety, reduce congestion and encourage more children and families to walk, wheel or cycle to school.

The School Street restrictions are already in place at the locations identified below. The proposed use of camera enforcement would support compliance with the existing restrictions and help ensure the schemes continue to achieve their intended benefits.

Proposed School Street Locations

How Would Enforcement Work?

If approved, enforcement would be carried out using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera technology.

The cameras would only be used to identify vehicles entering the restricted area during the hours of operation. The system records vehicle registration numbers and supporting evidence of any potential contravention. Images are used strictly for enforcement purposes and managed in accordance with relevant data protection legislation.

Appropriate signage would remain in place to clearly advise motorists of the restrictions and any enforcement arrangements.

Please check our Moving Traffic Enforcement FAQs (PDF, 94 KB) for more information.

Have Your Say

Before any decision is made, we want to understand the views of residents, businesses, parents, carers, school communities and other stakeholders.

Your feedback will help the Council assess whether to proceed with an application to the Department for Transport for Moving Traffic Enforcement powers and whether enforcement should be introduced at the proposed School Street locations.

All responses received will be reviewed and carefully considered before any decision is made.

Subject to approval, the Council intends to submit an application to the Department for Transport in early 2027. If successful, enforcement could be introduced later in 2027 following the necessary implementation and communications process.

How to Respond

To submit your views, please email traffic@sthelens.gov.uk quoting 'Moving Traffic Enforcement Engagement' in the subject line.

Closing date for responses: 1 December 2026

We welcome comments from all interested parties and encourage anyone affected by the proposals to share their views. Your feedback will help inform the Council's future approach to road safety and traffic management within St Helens Borough.

Last modified on 20 October 2026