New powers to improve road safety

Closed 26 May 2025

Opened 10 Apr 2025

Contact

Fernao Barros

(Community Engagement Officer)

01305 221000

travelchoice@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Results updated 25 Jun 2025

Dorset Council Consultation on Camera Enforcement – St Martin’s Road, Upton

Following the completion of the six-week consultation survey, a large majority of respondents expressed support for the proposed use of camera enforcement on St Martin’s Road, Upton. Based on this outcome, Dorset Council will proceed with the next steps required to apply for the necessary powers to implement camera enforcement in accordance with national legislation.

Summary of Concerns and Objections Raised by Consultees:

Several respondents expressed concerns about how the restrictions might affect access to and from the area. Specific concerns included the impact on residents, visitors, delivery drivers, carers, school staff and parents, and emergency services.

It is important to clarify that no new restrictions are being introduced, nor are existing ones being changed. The current restrictions were established under The County of Dorset (St Martin’s Road, Upton) (School Street) (Prohibition of Motor Vehicles) (No.2) Order 2024, which came into effect on 31 January 2024. These restrictions remain unchanged.

The purpose of the consultation was to seek views on camera enforcement as an alternative to physical barriers. Vehicles that are currently exempt from the restrictions will continue to be exempt, and those that are restricted will remain so.

Some respondents raised questions about how the cameras would operate, including concerns about how footage would be captured, used, and stored.

To address these concerns, it is important to note that the enforcement of moving traffic contraventions is strictly regulated under statutory guidance, specifically the Traffic Management Act 2004: Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities Outside London on Civil Enforcement of Bus Lane and Moving Traffic Contraventions.

The sole purpose of camera enforcement on St Martin’s Road is to ensure compliance with the existing restrictions during the designated times. The cameras will be directed at the road entrance and will not operate outside of restricted hours. Footage will be reviewed by trained officers to determine whether a contravention has occurred. Only footage of vehicles in contravention will be retained, and it will be kept only for as long as necessary to resolve the case. Once the matter is closed, the footage will be deleted.

Concerns were also raised about the fairness of enforcement and the possibility of fines being issued in error.

It is important to emphasise that the enforcement process is governed by the Traffic Management Act 2004 and associated statutory instruments. This process follows the same legal framework as the issuance of Penalty Charge Notices (commonly known as parking fines) and includes all the legal safeguards required by law.

Lastly, some respondents expressed concerns about the potential use of cameras to enforce other types of contraventions or in different areas. It is important to clarify that Dorset Council can only enforce moving traffic contraventions in locations where a formal consultation has been conducted and a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) has been enacted. This means that the public and stakeholders will always have the opportunity to review, provide feedback on, or object to any proposed enforcement in new areas.

Files:

Overview

Dorset Council would like to pilot the use of cameras to make sure that drivers continue to comply with a traffic restriction at St Martins Road near Upton Junior School.

Background

There has been a School Street traffic restriction at St Martins Road near the junior school since June 2022. This has reduced traffic during the restricted hours, creating a safer environment for children walking, wheeling and cycling to school.

The closure is currently managed by school staff using physical barriers. However, this is difficult to maintain. 

We would, therefore, like to trial the use of cameras to make sure that drivers comply with this restriction. This will remove the need for barriers. The cameras will not be used for any other purpose.

Seeking your views on new legal powers

Before we can introduce this pilot camera scheme, we need to apply to the Government for new responsibilities. These are needed so we can enforce what are known as moving traffic offences*. As these powers will be a new policy for the council, we must seek public views through consultation before they are introduced.

The benefits of Dorset Council taking on these enforcement responsibilities include providing: 

  • improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists 
  • reduction in network congestion  
  • improvements to journey times for public transport  
  • air quality improvements, and a reduction in transport related emissions contributing to carbon net zero targets. 

Consultation

This consultation will be open for six weeks, from 14th April to 26th May 2025. Local residents and businesses are invited to contribute their comments to the consultation, however anybody can leave feedback. 

We will use feedback from the consultation help us make the final decision on whether to apply to use these powers in the specified location and identify other areas that people are may be concerned about. 

*Moving traffic offences include: 

  • entering yellow box junctions when the exit is not clear 
  • driving through a 'No Entry' sign 
  • turning left or right when instructed not to do so 
  • driving where and when motor vehicles are prohibited 
  • driving on routes that are for buses and taxis only 
  • going the wrong way in a one-way street 
  • ignoring a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) 

Why your views matter

Before making any decision on the suitability of this location, we need to fully understand the impact on all people affected including residents, the school, the wider school community.

If you would prefer to complete the consultation in a different way, like a paper survey, please contact Transport Planning, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ or telephone 01305 221000 and ask for Fernao Barros or another member of the transport planning team.

Please note, any data collected follows Dorset Council's privacy policy.

What happens next

Your views will help Dorset Council reach a decision about whether to trial the use of camera enforcement at this location.  If the outcome is positive, Dorset Council will apply to parliament for the ability to enforce moving traffic offences.

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