Do you want the council to have more powers to fine drivers?

Sefton Council is encouraging all road users to take part in a new consultation on measures to make the Borough’s roads safer.

The Council is applying for powers to enforce certain traffic offences, including enforcement of driving in pedestrian only areas, making illegal U-turns and ignoring ‘No Entry’ signs.

As part of the application the Council is proposing to trial these new powers at three locations. These are Stanley Road in Bootle, Hastings Road in Hillside and Birkdale’s Windy Harbour Road.

The Council wants your views on the three locations and also any other locations you think we could look to enforce Moving Traffic Offences in the future should we be successful in our application to Government.

In Bootle the aim would be to stop drivers using the traffic restricted section of Stanley Road as a cut through, and to create a safer and more traffic-free space for shoppers and visitors.

At the two School Streets sites in Southport, the enforcement would look to stop unauthorised motorists using the roads during the start and end of the school day. This would greatly improve the safety, health and wellbeing of pupils at both Greenbank and Birkdale High Schools.

The proposed enforcement powers would see traffic on the above streets monitored by camera for monitoring offences.

If successful in its application to Government, the Council could have the powers to enforce restrictions by April 2024.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulation and Compliance, said: “Our goal is to make our Sefton safer for everyone as well as improving air quality and ensuring our road networks are moving freely.

“These are not new restrictions, just new ways of enforcing them.

“Our next steps will be guided by the feedback we receive from this consultation and what it tells us about the proposed trial locations.

“I hope everyone will take part and have their say.”

As well completing the online consultation via www.yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk, people can also email their views to transport.planning@sefton.gov.ukor write to the Strategic Transport Planning and Investment Team at Magdalen House, Trinity Road, Bootle, L20 3NJ.