FAQs
- improve road safety
- tackle network congestion
- increase public transport reliability
- improve air quality
- increase lifespan of highway assets.
1. Why is WSCC taking on these enforcement powers?
WSCC is applying to take on these enforcement powers to improve the West Sussex road network. Sussex Police currently enforce moving traffic offences, and this will allow them to focus on other policing priorities. Each site to be enforced by WSCC must help achieve at least one of the following objectives:
2. How will WSCC decide which sites are most important to enforce?
WSCC will take a consistent and measured approach to enforcement, using cameras at sites where it has been identified there is an absolute need.
There will be a robust decision-making process in place to ensure that each site is chosen on the merits of how it will improve the area if traffic contraventions are enforced. For example, this could be judged on the crash record at a junction with the aim of reducing crashes or at proven congested areas resulting in a positive impact on the efficiency of the bus network and emergency services on West Sussex roads.
3. Why aren’t WSCC enforcing at every junction in West Sussex?
Introducing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are the last line of defence to get drivers to comply with signs or restrictions.
4. Will there be more sites in future?
It is envisaged that WSCCs role in enforcement will be rolled out to more sites from 2023 onwards.
5. How can I comment on the sites you are proposing to enforce?
Please respond to parking@westsussex.gov.uk. Alternatively, if you cannot take part online, please complete the Word version enclosed.
6. How do I propose a future site for enforcement?
From 2023, if WSCC have been granted the powers, it will provide a way for people to propose sites.
7. Will WSCC make any money from this?
Making money is not an aim of enforcing moving traffic violations. WSCC is applying for these powers to make a difference to the highway network, and not as a source of financial income. It is hoped that better enforcement will help improve the compliance at these sites to make the necessary safety, congestion, and public transport improvements. As compliance improves, the number of Penalty Charge Notices will hopefully fall.
8. What will WSCC do with the income generated by penalty charges?
Should there be any money left over once the set up and operational costs have been met, this will be used for highway improvement projects in line with strict government guidance. This funding will only be granted to projects that that help achieve one of the following objectives:
• improve road safety
• tackle network congestion
• increase public transport reliability
• improve air quality
• increase lifespan of highway assets
9. When does the Council hope to start enforcing?
The start date is dependent on the legislation and the parliamentary timeline. It is estimated that the enforcement powers will come into effect towards the end of 2023.
10. What will be enforced and what signs will I expect to see?
For the moment it is intended to focus enforcement action on cases of driving on specific routes that are for buses only (Contravention 34). For more information, please see the List of all the contraventions and signs that could eventually be used (opens in new window)