FAQs
Banned left or right turns: When a vehicle turns onto a road against the direction shown on signs. Ignoring these can be dangerous and could result in a traffic collision.
One way: Entering a one way street where there is a no entry sign or driving in the wrong direction of travel where a one way restriction is in place.
Bus lanes: Driving on routes only for buses, cycles, taxis, and motorcycles. This can cause congestion and could result in collisions.
School Streets: Vehicles without an exemption permit driving where there are closures around school drop-off and pick-up times.
Site 1: Port Road, Barry (Whitmore High School) - Prohibition of Right-Hand Turn
Site 2: Un-named Road linking Redlands Road / Sully Road (accessing Norris Close), Penarth - One way
Site 3: Cardiff Road, Dinas Powys – Bus Lane
Site 4: Dryden Road, Penarth – School Street
Site 1 (Port Road, Barry) – Prohibition of right-hand turn: There are known traffic, congestion and road safety issues caused by non-compliance, including issues raised by the adjacent Fire Station who have to cross traffic at this point.
Site 2 (Norris Close, Penarth) – One way: The Council receive reports of non-compliance and as it is nearby Ysgol Pen-y-Garth, it is important this restriction is followed to enable access and for children’s safety.
Site 3 (Cardiff Road, Dinas Powys) – Bus lane: Due to high traffic volumes, vehicles are likely to use the bus lane to avoid queuing, causing congestion for buses and taxis.
Site 4 (Dryden Road, Penarth) – School Street: The Council implemented the first timed school street closure at Fairfield Primary School to make the street safer and more accessible for pupils walking, wheeling and cycling to school. This can only be enforced effectively with the introduction of ANPR cameras, and this could also enable other pilot School Street schemes to be made permanent.
Reduce congestion and idling traffic, helping to improve air quality
Enhance road safety
Create more space for people to walk, cycle, and wheel across the county
Keep traffic flowing, making journey times more reliable
Reduce delays to public transport services
The cameras will capture the Vehicle Registration Number, so we can issue the driver with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
If this happens within the first two weeks of a camera location going live, the driver will:
receive a warning letter for the first contravention. This will go directly to the vehicle’s registered keeper.
receive a PCN every other time they are seen to contravene a restriction.
A PCN will automatically be issued for any contraventions after the two-week warning period.
Road safety improvements
Supporting public transport
Developing active travel schemes to support safer walking, cycling and wheeling
Covering the costs of the enforcement programme itself
What is a moving traffic offence?
A moving traffic offence is when drivers fail to comply with a traffic order and is something that is currently enforced by the police.
This is a way of managing the behaviour of moving traffic by issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for motorists who breach the restrictions that are in place.
What are the contraventions we’re looking to enforce?
If these are currently enforced by police, why do the Council need to?
Although moving traffic offences can be enforced by police, it can be difficult to dedicate the resources to do this effectively, meaning offences still occur without penalty.
We are now seeking enforcement powers for moving traffic offences, so enforcement will be exercised by the Council. By taking control of these powers, we will be able to use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to enforce moving traffic offences, leading to higher compliance and safer roads for everyone.
Why are we consulting the public on changes to the way we enforce moving traffic offences?
Having these enforcement powers will help us create safer, less congested roads throughout the county. We want to make sure our plans meet the needs of the community and we need your feedback to support existing efforts to make streets safer and more accessible for everyone. By sharing your views, it will help us understand any enforcement issues in the selected locations and how we can make these restrictions work better for all road users.
Where are we proposing changes?
We are seeking feedback on changes to the enforcement of current restrictions at four locations:
Why have these locations been chosen?
These have been chosen as the first sites for moving traffic enforcement as there are known reports of vehicles breaching the restrictions, safety concerns, and traffic flow issues. The specific reasons for each site are:
Will other sites also be enforced?
If the application to enforce moving traffic offences is successful, the Council will be able to consider enforcing additional restrictions across the Vale of Glamorgan. The Council will be assessing further locations for moving traffic enforcement as part of later stages of the process, particularly locations where there are incidences of poor driver adherence to traffic restrictions.
How will the Council enforce contraventions?
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be installed at the sites to capture any vehicles breaching the restrictions. Following review of footage, Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) will be issued by post to the registered keeper of a vehicle in breach of the restriction.
The police can continue to use cameras and other means to enforce moving traffic restrictions, including those enforced by the Council’s ANPR cameras.
What is a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)?
A PCN is a fine issued by local authorities for breaking parking or traffic rules, like parking illegally, driving in a bus lane, or ignoring yellow box markings. They must be paid or appealed within a set period of time, often with a discount for early payment.
Why does moving traffic need to be enforced?
We have a duty to make sure traffic moves freely and safely on our roads and undertaking moving traffic enforcement can help us do this effectively. By implementing moving traffic enforcement, we can:
Will there be better road markings and signs to make people aware of the changes?
Yes, where new signs and road markings are needed they will be put in place to ensure people are aware of the changes to camera enforcement.
We are not implementing any new restrictions at these locations, but drivers will need to comply with the restrictions already in place.
What is the penalty for breaching a restriction?
If a driver breaches a traffic restriction, the following steps will happen:
How will we use income generated by Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)?
Enforcing moving traffic restrictions improves road safety and helps traffic flow more smoothly. However, running this enforcement does come with significant costs, such as installing and maintaining cameras, reviewing incidents, and processing notices.
By law, any income that remains after these costs are covered can only be reinvested in specific transport-related improvements, including:
Will it cost me money if the council makes changes to the way restrictions are enforced?
No. This will only cost members of the public money if they are served a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for not complying with the restrictions.