Ten motorists have been handed on the spot fines following an operation to stop cars flouting traffic restrictions on the High Street in Stone.
Stafford Borough Council and the local policing team announced earlier this month they would be handing out fixed penalty notices in a bid to stop drivers breaking rules which they said was putting lives at risk.
Stone High Street is covered by a ‘Traffic Regulation Order’ and ‘Public Space Protection Order’ which prevents vehicles and pedal cycles from driving or cycling through unless they have an exemption.
More than forty people were warned about breaching regulations during an operation earlier this year by the council and police to highlight the dangers on the pedestrianised High Street.
On the 1st of April, the police and council issued an update to advise that fines would now start to be issued, either on the spot or via CCTV observation in the town and on Tuesday evening (26th April) ten drivers were given the £75 fixed penalty notices – with the council and police warning that more enforcement action would follow.
The operation followed complaints about drivers ignoring the restrictions – with money from the fines being used to help fund other community safety projects.
Councillor Jeremy Pert, Cabinet Member for Communities and Health, said:
“We want to encourage more people to come into our local high streets to shop, eat and use the services they offer – and they must be able to do that safely.
“The safety of the public is our primary concern and it is really disappointing that, despite the previous awareness campaign and recent publicity about potential enforcement action, people have ignored the rules and our warnings.
“I hope these fines will serve as a deterrent to others.”
Exemptions to the public space protection order include the emergency services, loading and unloading anything that cannot be carried by hand – between 4pm and 10am – and post office and cash in transit vehicles. There is no exemption for takeaway delivery drivers or blue badge holders.
Chief Inspector Giles Parsons, of Stafford Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“I urge motorists to stop using Stone High Street, if they continue to do so and are stopped by the police they should expect a fine to be issued.”
More about Public Space Protection Orders from Public Space Protection Order – (PSPO) – Stafford Borough | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk)
