A scheme has been launched in Oldham which looks to tackle inconsiderate drivers across six sites in the borough.

It comes after a change in legislation now allows local authorities to enforce Moving Traffic Offences (MTOs), such as blocking yellow boxes and banned turns.

Drivers could be fined up to £70 for breaking rules at the sites if the council is given the new powers previously held by the police.

The council is looking to deal with drivers who ignore important road markings and it is also hoped the new measures will help public transport, particularly tram services, by removing blocked junctions and routes.

The proposed sites and restrictions are:

  • A62 Manchester Street – northwest side of Manchester Street, where the tram route crosses over the road
  • B6194 Glodwick Rd at the junction of Hamilton Street – opposite the back of the Hopwood House Surgery
  • A62 Huddersfield Rd at the junction of Livesey Street –outside the Damasgo restaurant
  • A62 Huddersfield Road at the junction of Holt Street southwest bound – between the Weavers Arms and Minders Arms pubs
  • A62 Manchester Road at the junction of Stanley Road and Ashfield Street – next to the Safestore Self Storage facility
  • A62 Manchester Road at the junction with the M60 Junction

These sites were chosen due to the fact restrictions are already in place but the police do not have the resources to enforce measures on careless motorists.

The council hopes this new legislation will also help with congestion hotspots, as enforcing against inconsiderate drivers could help keep traffic moving, in addition to potentially improving air quality as well.

The consultation will last until November 1 and the scheme could come into full effect in summer 2023, if approved by the government.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras will be used to catch the drivers, with first-time offenders set to receive warning letters before the full £70 fine is issued.

These fines would be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days of the offence.

The council has said the income from the fines will be spent on covering the costs of the scheme along with improving public transport, highway improvement projects and environmental improvements in Oldham.

Leader of Oldham Council Amanda Chadderton said: "If just one thoughtless driver blocks a yellow box it can snag up an entire road, causing significant delays in the local community which quickly generate various road safety concerns.

"The areas we have identified are locations where significant disruption takes place regularly. If we are given power to enforce MTOs then we’ll be able to address the issue."

To take part in the consultation, visit pclengagement-hub.co.uk/en-GB/folders/oldhammte.