Moving traffic offences
We now have the power to issue fines to vehicles that break moving traffic restrictions such as:
- driving in a bus lane
- taking a restricted turn - for example, turning right at a left-only junction
- stopping in a hatched box
We will enforce these restrictions using enforcement cameras from mid-February 2023 onwards.
We were awarded these powers in June 2022, following a consultation and subsequent cabinet decision to submit an application to the Department for Transport.
Restrictions enforced by the council
We'll use ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras to enforce certain restrictions across Buckinghamshire, initially at 14 locations.
We will begin installing and switching on cameras in February 2023. We also have the power to use camera vehicles.
When camera footage is used as evidence for issuing a fine, it will always be reviewed by trained council staff.
View a list of the initial 14 locations on Your Voice Bucks.
Moving traffic restrictions can still be enforced in locations where the council has not installed cameras. In these locations you may be issued a moving traffic fine by the police.
How we'll issue warnings and fines
If you commit an offence within the first 6 months of a camera location going live, you will:
- receive a warning letter for your first offence - the vehicle's registered keeper is liable and will receive the letter
- receive a fine (penalty charge notice) for repeat offences
Warning letters for first offences will not apply once a camera has been in place for 6 months.
You will be able to pay or appeal a penalty charge notice (PCN) online, as you would for a parking fine.
Restrictions enforced by the police
The police continue to use cameras and other means to enforce moving traffic restrictions, including those enforced by the council's cameras.
You can view a full list of moving traffic restrictions and their contravention codes below.
| Restriction | Description |
|---|---|
| Code 31 – Entering and stopping in a box junction when prohibited | No person shall cause a vehicle to enter the box junction so that the vehicle has to stop due to the presence of stationary vehicles. This does not apply to any person that causes a vehicle to enter the box junction for the purpose of turning right and stops it within the box junction for so long as it is prevented from completing the right turn by oncoming vehicles or other vehicles which are stationary whilst waiting to complete a right turn |
| Code 32 – Failing to drive in the direction shown by the arrow on a blue sign | Vehicular traffic must proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow |
| Code 32 – Failing to drive in the direction shown by the arrow on a blue sign | Vehicular traffic must turn ahead in the direction indicated by the arrow |
| Code 32 – Failing to drive in the direction shown by the arrow on a blue sign | One way traffic |
| Code 33 – Using a route restricted to certain vehicles | Route for use by buses and pedal cycles only |
| Code 33 – Using a route restricted to certain vehicles | Route for use by tramcars only |
| Code 37 – Failing to give way to oncoming vehicles | Priority must be given to vehicle from the opposite direction |
| Code 37 – Failing to give way to oncoming vehicles | Priority must be given to vehicle from the opposite direction |
| Code 38 – Failing to comply with a sign indicating that vehicular traffic must pass to the specified side of the sign | Vehicular traffic passing the sign must keep to the left of the sign where the arrow is pointed downwards to the left, or to the right of the sign where the arrow is pointed downwards to the right |
| Code 50 – Performing a prohibited turn | No right turn for vehicular traffic |
| Code 50 – Performing a prohibited turn | No left turn for vehicular traffic |
| Code 50 – Performing a prohibited turn | No U-turns for vehicular traffic |
| Code 51 – Failing to comply with a no entry sign | No entry for vehicular traffic |
| Code 52 – Failing to comply with a sign indicating a prohibition on certain types of vehicles | All vehicles prohibited except non-mechanically propelled vehicles being pushed by pedestrians |
| Code 52 – Failing to comply with a sign indicating a prohibition on certain types of vehicles | Motor vehicles prohibited |
| Code 52 – Failing to comply with a sign indicating a prohibition on certain types of vehicles | Motor vehicles except solo motorcycles prohibited |
| Code 52 – Failing to comply with a sign indicating a prohibition on certain types of vehicles | Solo motor cycles prohibited |
| Code 52 – Failing to comply with a sign indicating a prohibition on certain types of vehicles | Goods vehicles exceeding the maximum gross weight indicated on the goods vehicle symbol prohibited |
| Code 53 – Failing to comply with a restriction on vehicles entering a pedestrian zone | Entry to pedestrian zone restricted |
| Code 54 – Failing to comply with a sign indicating a restriction on vehicles entering and waiting in a pedestrian zone | Entry to and waiting in pedestrian zone restricted |
| Code 54 – Failing to comply with a sign indicating a restriction on vehicles entering and waiting in a pedestrian zone (alternative signs) | Entry to and waiting in pedestrian zone restricted |
Further information
View background information on consultation requirements and finance.
As a local authority we must engage with residents and businesses about the benefits of moving traffic enforcement and allow them to raise concerns.
However, public consultation is mainly for communication purposes and not for objections against the use of moving traffic enforcement.
When introducing new camera locations we'll carry out public consultation for at least 6 weeks. We may also engage with the Chief Officer of Police.
The enforcement of moving traffic restrictions aims to improve road safety and the flow of traffic. We expect the number of moving traffic fines issued at each area to fall quickly as driver's change their behaviour to abide by the restrictions.
Income generated by moving traffic fines will only be used for specific measures including highway repairs, public transport and environmental projects.
Moving Traffic Enforcement is undertaken in accordance with the Traffic Management Act 2004. The regulations specifically are The Civil Enforcement of Road Traffic Contraventions (Approved Devices, Charging Guidelines and General Provisions) (England) Regulations 2022 No. 71
The regulations came into force on 31 May 2022.
Traffic regulation orders (TROs)
Before moving traffic enforcement can start, there must be a traffic regulation order (TRO) in place.
A TRO is the legal instrument that dictates the restrictions on the highway. In accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, local authorities can implement TROs to regulate, restrict or prohibit the use of a road or any part of the width of a road by vehicular traffic or pedestrians.
There are several types of TRO which are used for various reasons and can take effect at all times or during specified periods.