We have applied for, and have now been granted, designation as a civil enforcement area for moving traffic contraventions.
Background
The government announced that local authorities outside of London and Wales can adopt moving traffic enforcement powers under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004, which were previously enforced solely by the Police.
The purpose of these powers is to improve compliance with traffic regulation orders, make roads safer, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable and active travel.
In England and Wales, moving traffic offences are defined in law in Schedule 7 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 (as amended), including:
- contravening one-way streets or banned turns
- entering a pedestrian zone
- ignoring a Traffic Regulation Order, such as a weight limit
These powers do not allow us to enforce speeding or dangerous driving. This power remains solely the responsibility of the police.
Consultation
We carried out a public consultation on the proposed school street restriction in Saint Martin’s Road, Upton, as the pilot location for camera enforcement. Full details, including the feedback received and Dorset Council’s response, are available on our consultation website.
The proposal received strong support, with 67% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing.
Decision-making process
Following the consultation, the cabinet member for place services approved the submission of Dorset Council’s application for designation as a civil enforcement area and confirmed Saint Martin's Road, Upton, as the pilot enforcement location.
Designation Order and approval
On 13 November 2025, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport wrote to Dorset Council confirming that the Designation Order has been signed.
The Order was laid before Parliament on 13 November 2025 and will come into force on 9 December 2025, formally designating Dorset Council as a civil enforcement area for moving traffic contraventions.
The Department for Transport emphasised that these new powers would support improved efficiency and safety for all road users.
Next steps
With the Designation Order confirmed, we will:
- implement the pilot enforcement scheme at Saint Martin’s Road, Upton
- monitor and evaluate the pilot
- carry out further public engagement
- consider applying moving traffic enforcement powers at additional locations following review of the pilot