New permissions sought to enhance road safety

The powers would mean approved camera devices could be used to enforce moving traffic contraventions. This would include driving through a ‘no entry’ sign, turning left or right when prohibited, entering yellow box junctions when the exit is not clear, driving where and when motor vehicles are prohibited, including on ‘school streets’ and for width/weight restrictions. 

Public engagement on the new proposed powers launches today (Friday) for six weeks.

Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for housing, highways, planning and transport, said: “We want to apply for these powers to make a difference on our highway network. These powers would make traffic enforcement more effective and reduce the number of repeat offences.

“It would contribute to improvements in traffic flow, provide safer streets around schools and neighbourhoods, address access problems for emergency and public services, encourage sustainable travel and address anti-social behaviour problems linked to inconsiderate driving practices. 

“The engagement activity is to understand issues and concerns for each of the proposed locations. It will show residents the placement and use of each proposed enforcement and enable them to comment on traffic behaviour at the location. All responses will be reviewed, and designs will be amended accordingly.”

An initial review of roads in Slough has identified 12 locations where better management through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera technology would be beneficial for safety and flow of traffic. These are roads or schools where there has been ongoing congestion, safety problems or non-adherence to traffic signs and markings. 

A paper detailing the application for powers will be going to the June Cabinet meeting, asking for approval to submit the application to the DfT by 7 July, and to approve the sites identified for implementation, subject to DfT approval. 

If Cabinet approves the plan to submit the application for powers, a decision from the DfT would be expected in December.

If approval is received, the council will be looking to enact these new powers in March/April 2026. Communication and advance warning signage would be displayed in advance at the specific sites before any enforcement would begin. 

Drivers would receive a warning notice for a first offence within the first six months at each location, and a penalty charge thereafter.

Any surplus money generated over the operational costs would be invested back into highways improvement projects.

The engagement activity runs from today (Friday) until 6 June. Please let us know your thoughts. You can contact us: 

•    By post, FAO Parking Services, Observatory House, 25 Windsor Road, Slough, SL1 2EL
•    Via email to movingtrafficenforcement@slough.gov.uk

Details and drawings of locations can be found on our website.

The 12 locations being considered.