NEW powers to crack down on traffic offences could come into force to boost road safety.

Wigan Council is asking for feedback on the plans which will initially be used for hotspots in Atherton, Wigan, Leigh and Lowton.

The government is allowing local authorities to apply for the powers to enforce against certain offences on the road including entry to a pedestrian zone, banned turns and more.

To date, only the police have been able to tackle these issues, which are known as moving traffic offences.

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Councillor Paul Prescott, portfolio holder for transport at Wigan Council, said: “These additional powers give us the ability to help the police keep our roads safe by taking action against the minority of drivers who think the rules do not apply to them.

“While we are planning to apply for these powers across the whole borough, we will only be enforcing them initially in these four areas where we know there are current issues.

“Any change to where we will use these powers will be evidence-based, and will follow a consultation with the public.”

What are the locations?

The locations are Market Street in Atherton, Winwick Lane in Lowton, King Street in Wigan and Bradshawgate in Leigh.

On Market St, Atherton and on Bradshawgate in Leigh the council says there are issues with people driving cars and motorbikes during periods when they are not permitted, causing safety concerns for pedestrians.

In Lowton on Winwick Lane, the southbound 7.5tonnes weight limit is regularly ignored which sees large vehicles wrongly using the road. 

Finally, the ‘no left turn’ onto Wallgate from King Street in Wigan is regularly abused, with traffic using this route illegally.

Illegal driving

Cllr Prescott added: “The council has been aware of illegal driving in these locations but has been powerless to tackle it, these new measures will enable our officers to take the same action as the Police, by issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs).

“We are focusing on these four areas where the council has received complaints and there are known issues of people driving illegally, and causing a potential danger. 

“Please visit www.wigan.gov.uk/MovingTrafficOffences to find out more, and let us know what you think.”

How to find out more

Find out more about these proposals at www.wigan.gov.uk/MovingTraffic Offences.

You can have your say by emailing networkmanagement@wigan.gov.uk writing to Wigan Council Network Management Group, Wigan Life Centre (South Site), College Avenue, Wigan WN1 1NJ.

The deadline for responses is Sunday, November 20.