Enforcement
Speeding Traffic Concerns and Anti-Social Driving
Sandwell Highways are regularly approached by residents to deal with speeding concerns on their roads, however the council does not hold any legal enforcement powers to deal with this type of anti-social and illegal driving behaviour.
The only authority that has the legal powers to enforce against inappropriate speeding and anti-erratic driving behaviour is West Midlands Police. Local residents often have far better first-hand knowledge of the extent of any speeding as well as an understanding of the worst times of day and worst locations where this is happening in their neighbourhoods.
Therefore, in the first instance, the council would encourage the community to report such issues directly to the Police, using the non-emergency 101 number.
Highways Services can arrange for a 7 day speed survey to be undertaken, although this can take several weeks to arrange and undertake, depending on school holidays and the workload of the survey companies. Therefore, by reporting speeding concerns directly to the Police ensures they get the information as soon as possible rather than having the delay by passing the information on via the council.
Highways do have regular road safety meetings with the Police with regards to working in partnership with them and to also pass on the results of any recent speed surveys to assist them in determining their future enforcement activities. However, the first-hand local knowledge held by residents is often invaluable to the Police and hence why residents should contact them directly with any speeding and anti-social driving concerns.
Currently the Police have sole responsibility for;
- Vehicle Speeding
- Anti-Social Driving Behaviour
- Red Light Running at Traffic Signals and Pedestrian Crossing
- Car Cruising (Street Racing Events)
- Vehicle Pavement Obstructions
- Moving Traffic Contraventions
Average Speed Enforcement
Sandwell form part of the wider Back Country Average Speed Enforcement board who work alongside West Midlands Police in introducing and operating Average Speed Enforcement (ASE) Cameras on the most dangerous parts of our road network.
Sandwell currently has two operational ASE sites on the A4123 between Hagley Road West and Pound Road in Oldbury and the A34 Birmingham Road, Great Barr between Scott Arms and Merrion’s Close. These sites were identified as having the Council’s highest incidences of fatal and serious casualties over a five year period.
Although the council are responsible for funding the installation of the cameras, all enforcement and operation is undertaken by West Midlands Police as the only authority with the powers to do so. The criteria for the installation of new sites is very strict in terms of high numbers of serious casualties and high levels non-compliance with the posted speed limits.
Currently West Midlands Police are undertaking a review of their three existing separate ASE agreements with the 7 West Midlands Councils with the hope of replacing with a single regional agreement that would see greater levels of enforcement across the regional with the hope of introducing more ASE sites in Sandwell from 2024 / 2025.
Mobile Speed Cameras
Mobile Speed Cameras are owned and operated directly by West Midlands Police.
They operate at many sites across Sandwell Borough on a regular basis to help improve speed limit compliance and improve safety on the council’s road network.
Sites are determined through community concern and road casualty data. New sites can be suggested by Sandwell Council, although specific site requirements need to be met to ensure the camera vehicles have a flat, hard standing area from which to operate and a clear long line of site to oncoming vehicles.
Moving Traffic Contraventions
Moving traffic contraventions include where drivers enter hatched yellow boxes when there is no exit, make a turn that is not allowed, make u-turns where they are banned or enter restricted areas for vehicles such as pedestrian zones and school streets.
Currently, only West Midlands Police have the legal authority to fine drivers for contravening moving traffic offences in Sandwell. However, In the summer of 2020 the government announced that Councils in England could apply to get new powers to enforce some moving traffic offences under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004.
Recognising that poor compliance with these restrictions has a damaging effect on road safety and traffic flows, Sandwell Council have applied to the Department for Transport (DfT) for the powers to enforce certain moving traffic contraventions and are hoping to hear whether we are successful from Autumn 2024.
Encouraging drivers to follow the rules will have a positive impact. It will help us make our roads safer for all road users (including improving safety around schools), reduce congestion, improve journey times for public transport and encourage more active travel such as cycling and walking.
These restrictions can currently only be enforced by the Police with fixed penalty notices resulting in fines and/or endorsement points. The adoption of enforcement powers will mean the Council can also enforce these restrictions. It is important to understand that these powers would be there to compliment and not replace existing Police powers, who will also still have the ability to prosecute vehicles caught making illegal manoeuvres.
The Council plans to use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera technology to identify drivers that contravene certain restrictions. Drivers who are caught will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (fine). The cost is currently £70 but can be paid at a discounted rate of £35 if paid within 21 days.
The first six locations where Sandwell would like to apply these powers are;
- Junction 1 M5 Roundabout - Yellow Box Junction
- A4123 Wolverhampton Road / Service Road (Adj Hagley Rd West) - Right Turn Prohibition
- High Street, West Bromwich (between Bull Street and New Street) - Prohibition of driving and loading
- Ethel Street, Bearwood - Right Turn Prohibition
- Oldbury Road / Seven Stars Road, Oldbury - Right Turn Prohibition
- Ferndale Avenue, Great Barr - School Street Prohibition of Driving
Parking and Bus Lanes - Parking Restrictions on the Highway
Yellow Zig-Zags
A yellow zig-zag line and the words "School Keep Clear" in yellow on the carriageway indicate an area outside a school entrance where no stopping is allowed during the times on the signs on either side of the marking. There are no exemptions for loading or unloading, or for picking up or setting down passengers.
Keeping the zig zags clear give children, a clear view of the road when crossing and improves safety for everyone.
Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) are issued to motorists that do not conform to the rules for yellow zig zags, either by Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO’s) or our CCTV camera cars.
CCTV enforcement contributes to beneficial changes in driver behaviour. For example, at schools, the presence of Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO’s) deters those who park dangerously and inconsiderately risking the lives of our children
Pedestrian Crossing Zig-Zag Areas
No stopping is allowed on a zebra or pedestrian crossing including the areas marked by white zig-zag lines. There are no exemptions for loading or unloading, or for picking up or setting down passengers.
Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO’s) or the Police may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice to a vehicle parked in these areas, and this remains an endorsable offence
Red Routes
Red route double red lines mean no stopping at any time, even to drop off or pick up passengers.
Red route single red lines have restricted stopping times that are displayed on the sign adjacent to the line.
Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) are issued to motorists that do not conform to the rules restricting them from stopping in a red route double red line area or if within the restriction times displayed on signs.
Red route rules are upheld strictly and many thousands of PCN are issued each year through CCTV alone.
Double Yellow Lines
Motorists are prohibited from parking 24 hours per day, 7 days per week which includes Sundays and public holidays, unless signs signify times that parking is permitted.
Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) are issued to motorists that do not conform to the rules for double yellow lines.
Double Yellow Line Exceptions:
There are however some exceptions for the parking on double yellow lines law where it becomes legal. These are as follows:
Vehicles loading or unloading whilst on double yellow lines
A vehicle unloading or loading for commercial purposes is permitted to stop on double yellow lines, though the unloading or loading must be continuous, must not exceed 40 minutes for heavy goods vehicles, 20 minutes for cars or light goods vehicles and that there must not be waiting restriction kerb markings or signs in place. Loading or unloading must be obvious to the Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO).
Picking up or dropping off passengers on double yellow lines
Motorists that briefly stop on double yellow lines to pick up or drop off passengers are permitted providing no stopping restrictions are in force.
Disabled blue badge holders parking on double yellow lines
Vehicles displaying a valid blue badge are permitted to park on double yellow lines up to a maximum of 3 hours providing there are no loading restriction in place. Disabled blue badges must be displayed at all times as well as the accompanying time clock. The time clock must be set to the time of arrival. Although parking on double yellow lines is permitted, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure they park in an area where they do not cause an obstruction, hazard or danger to other road users.
Emergency Services
Emergency vehicles can park in restricted areas - containing, for instance, single or double yellow lines or double red lines - only when they're used for specific police, fire brigade or ambulance purposes
Frequently Asked Question
Can you park on the pavement next to a double yellow line?
No, it is illegal, whether there’s a pavement or a grass verge, Waiting restrictions apply from the centre of the carriageway to the back of the pavement.
Parking Services Enforcement Policy
Get in touch
If you require road safety input in to any community events or require help or advice, please email Road_Safety. For any other road safety concerns on the highway, log onto My Sandwell or call 0121 368 1177.