MPs are to debate plans to give traffic wardens the power to fine motorists who break the rules of the road.
The Traffic Management Bill proposes automatic fines of up to a hundred pounds for drivers who disobey "no right turn" signs.
The legislation also includes fines for utility companies that miss deadlines for completing road works.
What do you think of the proposals ? Will it help reduce traffic jams or just cost motorists more money?
This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
 | SUGGEST A DEBATE This topic was suggested by Ed from UK:  Should traffic wardens be given more powers?  |
Up to a point you should be fined if you break the rules deliberately, there is no need for it. But the government should not view the British public as cash cows, when the circumstances, are an accidental mistake
F. Williamson, Middlesbrough England
Of course they should not. This is just another cheap method of raising money with reduced police services.
Don, Lincoln UK
But it's perfectly OK to pause in a box when turning right. How will I prove at a junction that I was turning right and not going straight on to a warden or in the appeal when I get charged by a warden? It's the same as how do I prove that I was unloading personal baggage when I parked on a yellow line (which everyone here should know is an exemption to the no-parking-on-yellow-lines law and wardens SHOULD NOT ticket us for this)? The problem is, there are areas where discretion and intelligence are required. Whenever it is, wardens fall flat on their face in failure, and we the public, have to pay for their inability and mistakes.
Nat, London, UK
Cyclists are the most flagrant abusers of the Highway Code; they ignore red lights; endanger pedestrians not only by ignoring pedestrian crossing rules but they ride on pavements; they ignore one way systems and if they have nearly run you over, they are abusive and threatening. Why don't we legislate for cyclists to pass a 'cycling test', be registered, show number plates, pay tax and carry insurance? It isn't just motor vehicle drivers that abuse the rules of the road.
Maggie, West End of London
I agree 100% with Maggie of West End. Why are cyclists allowed to cycle on pavements, through red lights, cycle at night without lights, cycle on the wrong side etc with impunity? Surely a parked car is less of a physical threat than a cyclist on a pavement? Perhaps some cyclists would like to justify their position, and explain why they are allowed to do whatever they want, but motorists should be punished for every indiscretion? And perhaps the police could also explain this to me.
A Kosh, Reading, England
Change the anti-cyclist tune would you? From personal experience mostly running, walking and cycling in London, also as occasional bus/car passenger etc., I can reasonably say that the most beleaguered position to be in is as cyclist. And yes, increasingly the aggravation comes mostly from 'pedestrians', wandering about in the road where there's an adequate pavement, jay-walking (waddling) across red lights, throwing stuff, and being abusive and threatening where they've actually or nearly caused accidents etc.
So tax, register and insure EVERYONE against the eventuality of their behaving dangerously on the streets, even if they don't own a vehicle. In principle though, I think box junctions should be enforced - to the benefit of, yes, pedestrians. Down my neck of South London, drivers appear to calculate into entering a junction that they'll be able to complete their turn on the next light phase, which often as not is a pedestrian one.
Liz G, London, UK
The road authorities must try and make driving easier and not just thinking up ways of punishing drivers. For instance let's have better directions within the City or towns. One of the great banes of driving in London are the constant 'no right turns' signs, but absolutely no help in saying how you get to the road into which you are prevented from turning!
Martin Anderson Stuart, Kirkcudbrightshire I think that if you want to drive, you should follow the rules. Traffic wardens are just enforcing the rules. It will probably cost taxpayers more but it will ultimately mean the roads are safer places.
Stuart, Nottingham, England
Could we please have the cars of those fools who hog the middle lane crushed and returned to them in a shoe box.
Gerry, UK
I agree with the "holier than thou" (to quote another respondent) drivers. If people disobey the rules of the road they should be fined. I particularly welcome the rules on junction boxes, since I have in the past been delayed by four hours (before calling it a day and going home, missing a flight), coming off the M11 when the lights at Stansted failed. The main reason was the inability of people to understand the concept of junction boxes. If I did get caught blocking one, then I would gladly pay the fine, since I would have been in the wrong.
Paul, Cambridge
It amazes me how totally unforgiving some of the comments here are. On the road things happen that people aren't prepared for despite what the rules say. If three cars enter a box junction and the first one stops for one of a hundred different reason (breakdown, illness, misjudged oncoming traffic etc) then all three would be gleefully fined by a very excited traffic warden. The non drivers here who keep saying "don't break the law and you won't get fined" are totally wrong. Driving is an unpredictable adventure that often relies on another road user's skill and judgement. Why should I be fined because of another's mistake?
Dave, Kidderminster, England Enforcement officers are supposed to uphold the law with complete impartiality. This is simply not possible if they stand to profit from their work.
Ian, Essex
Definitely not, especially if they work for private profit making contractors as in London. In conjunction with the London Boroughs they have conspired to make every motorists life a nightmare in order to raise revenue. The public have little or no redress once a ticket is issued and the system is stacked in favour of the profiteers. And the authorities reduce the parking facilities leaving people with little or no option but to park "illegally".
Adrian Waller, Leamington UK
If we have, as is claimed, more police than ever before - where are they and why do they need freeing up? The bad drivers need catching but not 'on the cheap'
Dave, Glasgow, Scotland
Since when did any trust traffic wardens to carry out their duties responsibly and fairly? Admittedly, some people appear to have driving licenses when they can't drive and should be stopped, but when wardens operate on a commission scheme based on how many tickets and fines they have issues, is it any wonder the public are worried about their new powers?
Em, UK
If they ticket drivers for inappropriate use of fog lights they get my vote
David, Lennoxtown, Scotland
| I am sure we are all guilty of unintentionally misreading the way of the road at some point in time |
Cheeky or aggressive drivers really annoy me. However, I think that empowering traffic wardens to enforce laws of the road is going too far. I am sure we are all guilty of unintentionally misreading the way of the road at some point in time. I would prefer it if the bill highlighted people who tail gate and flash to intimidate other drivers on the road.
Susan, Glasgow It's simple enough isn't it? - obey some simple rules, of which as a holder of a drivers licence you should be aware, and you'll have no need to worry about traffic wardens or fines.
Phil Holden-Rushworth, Worcester, UK
It depends just how much more power the traffic wardens get. If it's just to give out fines for going the wrong way down a one way street and things like that then I think it's good and will free police up to do more important jobs. But knowing the government I'm thinking there's a hidden agenda there somewhere...
Christine, UK
Any extra powers are a blessing. As long as traffic wardens have the right back up and training to deal with winging and sometimes aggressive drivers. Buses should be fitted with bull bars to ram cars parked in bus lanes and stops.
Fern, London
I think Jane (below) makes an important point. The massive anger at speed cameras has increased as those 'only the others who drive badly' drivers have now been caught speeding themselves. Proposals like this will ensure more anger and rebellion as it will become practically impossible not to break the law - including you, Mr Perfect. On a lighter note, how is a traffic warden going to issue a ticket to a driver blocking a boxed junction, without causing massive, further delay?
Jane Rawlings, Basildon England
| Motorists are an easy target |
All these holier-than-thou drivers...haven't you ever gone down a one way street by mistake, or got stuck on a box junction because the traffic in front of you suddenly skidded to a halt? These are minor infringements of the law. Meanwhile, people are being mugged, robbed, and assaulted, whilst the police do nothing about it. But motorists are an easy target. And ones it is easy to get money out of!
Jane, UK To Jane, UK: While they may be "minor infringements" they are infringements just the same. These minor things you are talking about can cause accidents and injuries to other drivers or pedestrians. This is the same type of mentality which says a little white lie is okay. A lie is a lie and a law broken is a law broken.
Jessamine, UK
Motorists, like others do many things wrong but they are forced to pay and ARE oppressed. They produce much income but local roads are still very bad.
John Elkington, Barnehurst, Kent
This has nothing to do with road safety but more to do with Mr Brown's budget deficit!
Steven, Solihull, UK
Many drivers are completely irresponsible and selfish; some enforcement of the law is long overdue.
Doug, Birmingham England
As a driver myself, I'm sick of the selfishness of the drivers who think it's OK to park on double yellow lines/bus stops/the pavement. They ignore the needs of other road users, create danger and obstructions, and know they can get away with it. Considerate drivers won't be affected by these proposals - selfish ones will.
Jo, Sheffield, England
I wouldn't want to be a traffic warden if this legislation comes into force. I'm sure enough of them get punched in the face as it is?
Giles Clinker, London
These measures do not go far enough. Both Traffic Wardens and Police should be enforcing the whole of the Highway Code, and penalty points, not fines should be given out as drivers who don't obey the code are dangerous. The worst offence is not indicating, which is basically attempted murder. Local councils should also put white lines down the middle of all roads, not just the main ones, so that the police can see who has the right of way in disputes, and who is on the wrong side of the road in an accident.
Jon Charles, Cheltenham, Glos
We need more roads. By whatever ratio you measure it; no. of cars per mile of road, no of cars per mile of motorway, the UK lags far behind other advanced nations. No wonder our roads are congested.
Ken Charman, Wokingham UK
Something has to be done about the appalling standard of driving and general disregard for basic rules. Let's face it; the police do nothing about any of this anyway. Near where I live, people regularly park on yellow lines and bus stops. This is a stone's throw from a police station and the police drive by ignoring the problems that these people cause. Having said that, this scheme is another obvious money churner and is doomed from the beginning.
Kee Gohil, UK
| I'd like to see tougher penalties, with the cars of repeat offenders being sold by the courts |
Last year a man living a few miles from me died at home because the Ambulance could not get to his house in time - the road was blocked by illegally parked cars. I'd like to see tougher penalties, with the cars of repeat offenders being sold by the courts. P.S. - I'm an enthusiastic driver with over 600,000 miles under my belt.
John, England Looks like next May I'm voting for whichever party promises not to use these powers.
Martin, England
Traffic wardens already have enough power to waste other people's time. The fine idea should be forgotten as it will just hold up other members of the public from using that particular parking space.
Alex, London, Camden
It was my son's first day at school today. During the 25 minute walk in South East London, we saw parking on the pavement, a lorry jump a red light and the 'no parking' signs outside my son's school might just as well not have existed. Walking my dog, I see practically no use of the indicator, speeding on the wrong side of traffic islands on a regular basis and parking on bus stops and on zig zag markings.
I cannot understand that the moronic, arrogant, selfish and plain bone idle can label these fines "stealth fines." I say fine them a minimum of �1000 and impound their car immediately until they have paid. Then those who say that a �100 fine is a "money making scheme" will surely be happy, as it will become a proper deterrent.
Phil, UK
There seems to be an assumption that this would take work away from hard pressed police officers. As a retired officer I can tell you that police would rarely report drivers for minor infringements of this kind, preferring an educational approach (a word of advice). As with speeding, an automatic approach of fining every offender by use of camera evidence will not produce better drivers, will not catch the main offenders (who's vehicles remain unregistered), will result in more bureaucracy, and will cause even more public disaffection. Please let's not do that!
Phil, UK
| I cannot understand why drivers find it so hard to understand and obey the law |
Using traffic wardens - why not? In 20 years of driving I have received one parking ticket, and this was my fault. I cannot understand why drivers find it so hard to understand and obey the law. If you caught someone stealing your property you wouldn't accept "stealth tax" arguments about any fine they would receive, why are speed cameras and traffic wardens different?
Alistair, UK When I lived in a London, one of the central councils used traffic wardens who were employed by a private company. A friend who was employed by that company told me that there was enormous pressure to issue as many tickets as possible. The number of complaints was such that a tv programme investigated the situation. The management of course denied bullying. I believe even more pressure will be applied if wardens are allowed to collect fines.
John Cord, Basildon
Yes, definitely. I'm fed up to the back teeth listening to some drivers whining on about how they are being taxed by the treasury for speeding, using bus lanes or indeed breaking any of the other rules which make life more tolerable for us law-abiding road users. The remedy is simple: obey the rules of the road!
Anon, London, UK
Perhaps the time has come to remove traffic from police altogether and give responsibility to another service which deals totally with traffic offences. Whether that is a beefed-up warden service is immaterial. What is vital is that training and qualifications for members of the new force would have to be improved. At a stroke it would free up the police to deal with more important matters and improve their standing with the public. A new traffic offences service would stand or fall on its own.
Alan Macgregor, Banff, Scotland
Traffic Wardens should be used to control bad driving. Let's face it - the police don't any more. But I also agree with others about fines. Give wardens digital cameras and put points on people's driving licences (half a point?). That way it hits everybody the same.
Steve, Edinburgh
Traffic wardens are an evil scourge and should not be encouraged. Democratic countries should foster personal responsibility rather than law enforcement. Unless, of course, you wish to usher in a Metropolis world of conformity and obedience to the State.
Alastair Stell, Phoenix, USA I think its a great idea. Every day I see motorists go through red lights, use mobiles while driving, park on double yellows, and block wheelchair access etc., Obviously it's the minority but its time to crack down and this will release the police to do what they are trained to do.
Peter Berry, Portsmouth U.K
All very well stinging the poor motorist yet again. What about improving road and sign systems generally?
Chris, Birmingham
There are pro's and con's to both sides of the argument, and anything that keeps traffic moving has to be a good thing. However councils need to start being consistent with their arguments. How is it possible that new buildings get approved when the only place for delivery, service, and courier vehicles is on the double yellow lines outside the front door? The daily snarl ups to the entire city centre one way system as yet more photocopier paper is delivered are quite normal and go unchallenged. However park off-road in the derelict forecourt of the old bus station and you get a ticket before the door is locked. That approach is pure money making and nothing to with traffic management.
Andrew, Reading UK
I despair. Privatised traffic wardens on bonuses and commission will make minor transgressors suffer. If this is designed to make car use unattractive then they have done it. Police take a balanced view on the whole, private traffic wardens are as bad as clampers in their zeal to remove money from the motorist. No, no and no again!
Phil Cox, Watford
Gimick, gimick, gimick, any diversion from the truth about the state of the country - let us pick on the motorist again and again. Bleed the motorist dry, big fine for minor offences but don't book dangerous drivers, without insurance, a driving licence or a MOT.
Mike Hall, Chipping Norton, UK
The only reason that motorists are "victimised" is because the vehicle registration system makes (most) "offenders" easily identifiable. Just wait until identity cards are introduced in the UK and then all those who want wayward pedestrians and cyclists will get their way. Maybe we ought to bring back dog licences and then the traffic wardens can impose instant fines for fouled footpaths.
Steve, Farnborough, UK
I work in a town that has a one way system that grinds to a halt every day because of these people, so yes good idea. BUT only use CCTV evidence please. This will catch only the guilty ones and there'll be no arguments. Another issue is points. I say no. Points for an offence like this will increase insurance premiums, which only makes more money for the government and those that offend probably don't have insurance anyway!!
Rob, Sutton, London, UK
These people who suggest that we all keep to the law are deliciously naive. The near gridlocked states of urban Britain make the yellow box proposal totally unworkable. As for giving wardens more power, you jest! Look what has happened to speeding offences (and the backlash it has created) when taken out of experienced police officers' hands. This is political suicide.
Simon Cresswell, Wokingham, UK
| Too many gridlocked roads and ever increasing congestion |
Though I am as keen as anyone to enjoy the freedom of the road and love driving - isn't it time to start acting responsibly and with some vision for transport in the future? For too long we've been wooed with the attractiveness of our own vehicle, but what has the result been? Too many gridlocked roads and ever increasing congestion. When will people start to accept that we need to be prepared to give up cars more and push harder for better public transport?
Richard, UK Why shouldn't traffic wardens maximise the amount of revenue collected from selfish drivers who park where they ought not to? The council benefits from this revenue and the only ones to complain are those who commit an offence in the first place.
Ian B, Manchester
My big worry would be the fact that their wages are based on targets they are given, which is bad enough for parking. Imagine driving past one who only needs a couple more fines to make their own target earnings. Remember, they are not officers of the law, but council employees.
Steve, London, UK
I think all this is getting out of hand. The organisations which we employ to give us a service are becoming organisations that persecute us against our will and wish. We are rapidly getting to the position where those with the power to fine are more to be feared and are taking more out of our pockets than burglars and muggers. Excess traffic is the result of services being away from where people live, it is years of bad planning that forces us to make all these journeys and we need attention to causes not symptoms.
Keith, Rayleigh, England
| Don't fine, just stick a point on the licence |
The biggest problem with fixed penalties (whoever has the power to impose them) is that they hit the poor more than the rich. I bet MPs and business men/women would simply get their secretary to write out a cheque for them and think no more about it. The poor chap on minimum wage who needs his car to get to work will be hit much harder for the same offence). Don't fine, just stick a point on the licence.
Joan W, Essex, UK Yellow hatches areas are boxes of mystery to a lot of people. 50% of people won't enter one at traffic lights when turning right if there is oncoming traffic. Consequently, only one or two cars can turn right on each light sequence. This state of affairs will made worse when non-policemen are at the junction blithely shooting photos to please their masters.
Stan Cooper, Sale, Cheshire
As with the debate on speed cameras, the solution here is simple, don't break the law and you won't be fined. Is it really so difficult for the average motorist to obey the law?
Bob Markham, Verwood, Dorset
In itself it probably makes sense for such manoeuvres to be penalised, but coming in the wake of a raft of fines and penalties announced over recent days one has to suspect the government's motives. Is this a road transport measure or another revenue raising wheeze?
David, UK
Those of you saying that traffic wardens don't have the training/intelligence to issue these fines are missing the point. You are supposed to know not to turn right at a no right turn sign, and not to park on double yellow lines. It is after all part of your driving test.
Neil, Horsham, England
When my sister moved home we parked a van outside her new property. A traffic warden issued a ticket. We tried to explain that we couldn't unload furniture and carry it from the next street so we were unloading on a yellow line in front of the property. Unfortunately our traffic warden couldn't speak English and issued the ticket anyway.
Wayne, UK
| The more wardens stopping the selfish behaviour, the better |
Put normal, nice courteous people behind a steering wheel and they instantly turn into mean spirited, don't give an inch, idiots on the verge of road rage. Why is it nearly everyone would hold a door open for you, yet no one will let you into a traffic stream, or cross a junction? Even when you have the right of way they will deliberately block you to gain an extra inch of road. The more wardens stopping the selfish behaviour, the better.
Lawrence, UK I think that would be a great idea. The Police already do this and by allowing the Traffic Wardens this ability would allow the Police more time to spend dealing with more serious crimes. I'm all for it.
Greg, Fishburn - NE
I cannot believe how many people here are saying you can avoid fines by obeying the rules. In one year I had a dozen parking tickets - despite parking legally. Luckily I could prove my innocence and never had to pay a single fine (although it did cost me time and postage.) Not everyone can prove their innocence. Many find it easier to pay up than to fight the ticket. "Traffic wardens" are revenue collection officers, nothing more.
Ray Gray, London, England
Traffic wardens rarely show more discretion than the much despised speed cameras! How often does the average driver get 'caught' in a box junction through no fault of his own, when some other inconsiderate soul has jumped into the gap he was aiming for - and who is technically breaking the law? Is this REALLY an issue? I drive in large towns and cities most days and can't say that I am inconvenienced to the extent that warrants yet more legislation and draconian fines.
John, Yarm, Cleveland
How are the traffic wardens going to receive any payment of these fines? - if cash is used it will only make traffic wardens ideal targets for muggings etc as criminals will know they have cash on them. Will they also give on the spot fines to cyclists etc who seem to ignore traffic lights, one way signs etc.
Paul, UK
Only the police traffic department have the knowledge and experience to enforce complex traffic laws. Give them more resources to deal with it rather than hand it over to local authorities.
Mark Williams,
It's a cheap way of taking enforcement away from the already overloaded police force and also brings money into government. Why wouldn't this be introduced? It's a lot like the use of local and state police in the US.
Kevin, USA ex UK
| If people deliberately misbehave then they should get the punishment, and the higher the better |
Great! I take my driving seriously and do everything by the book - It's so easy to do, just read your highway code, observe the signs and keep to the law. If people deliberately misbehave then they should get the punishment, and the higher the better.
Andrew M, Walsall, UK It's about time the authorities paid more attention to the type of poor driving which actually causes accidents, instead of just focussing on the media-led paranoia about speed. There are far too many drivers who seem to believe that, so long as they are driving below the speed limit, they are by definition safe drivers no matter how many other rules they break.
David Hazel, Fareham, UK
This is a flawed idea. Of course motorists should obey the rules of road. A better system would be for the wardens simply to issue notices and for fines to be issued only after repeat offences. We all make mistakes but only bad drivers repeatedly break the rules.
Alex, London UK
How does a traffic warden e.g. provide evidence of wrong doing at a box junction - the only assumption one can make is that they will stand around with cameras all day? If the basics come down to "the warden said so", then this is yet further devaluation of the cherished principle of innocent until proven guilty. There is no limit to how far you go once you embark on this road - do you really want to allow this to happen?
Martin, Aberdeen
Traffic wardens should be given digital cameras, so they can take pictures of the offences and can not be blamed for dishonesty. This also means road users that do break the law will be caught in the act and punished accordingly.
Neil, Wirral
Why give the power to traffic wardens? Our streets and motorways are covered by CCTV cameras. Why not employ people to watch these and gather video evidence? And spend the revenue on improving the roads so that people don't feel the need to break the rules.
Phil Huntley, London
Not on your life. There's already too much enforcement. What is needed is better driver education and better driving tests. Drivers should be assessed every 5 years and bad drivers with an inability to read or understand traffic signs should lose their licences.
Terry Farrell, Chichester. UK I see no reason why traffic wardens should not issue tickets personally I would like to see both them and the police clamp down on the lazy, carefree, drivers who park deliberately in handicap parking bays. It irritates me when I see 18 to 25 year olds generally in trainers using these spaces a fine of �100 and 3 points would delight me.
Doug, Liverpool, England
If the Government set larger penalties as a deterrent rather than an affordable amount (otherwise known as 'a form of taxation'), we wouldn't be having this debate.
Mark Baillie, Southampton, England
Just recently a friend received a hefty fine through the post for parking in a residents parking bay, despite having a valid parking permit clearly displayed in the window. Naturally it was his word against the traffic warden's: guess who the council preferred to believe? One can only guess at the traffic warden's motives in this instance. So, though I agree wholeheartedly with the idea of fining selfish motorists, I do question the honesty and integrity of (some) traffic wardens.
Lucy Goddard, London, UK
Traffic wardens are corrupt and powerful enough as it is. Just before Christmas I was issued a ticket after parking somewhere I believed was allowed. I disputed the ticket and was told the signs were clear... and when I went back to check indeed they were, because new ones had been erected. I don't want to give these petty officials more reasons to trump up unjust fines for motorists.
Jon, Manchester UK
Why a fine? Why not just give penalty points then there's no accusation of stealth taxes, just penalising bad driving, and most drivers are poor, they just don't want to admit it. Getting caught means having to face the fact that you weren't as good as you thought you were.
Nigel Evans, Blackpool
I think that this is a great idea. It infuriates me that people complain about fines for any traffic offences, claiming that they are money spinning devices. If you break the law, you ought to be punished. However, I do believe that the money raised ought to be ringfenced to improve public transport and the state of the roads if they truly wish the current trends of rising congestion to be rectified.
Chris Berry, Nottingham, UK
You are kidding right? The UK puts "traffic wardens" on the street but gives them no power to enforce traffic laws? Ridiculous.
Steve, USA
| Issue the ticket to the driver within 5 minutes of the alleged offence, not by post to the owner of the allegedly infringing vehicle |
Traffic wardens able to deal with minor moving traffic offences? I have no problem with that. What I do have a problem with is the issue of evidence. Cameras are not sufficient. Let's allow traffic wardens to ticket those found to be driving illegally in bus lanes, blocking junctions etc. but issue the ticket to the driver within 5 minutes of the alleged offence, not by post to the owner of the allegedly infringing vehicle. Also give traffic wardens the duty to ticket cyclists riding on pavements, jumping queues and red lights, wrong way on 1-way streets, etc.
Brian Beesley, UK A great idea, will give the police less excuse not to go after the real criminals (who tend to cause them slightly more effort than motorists)
Jonny Symonds
I don't own a car but I do drive, I really don't think that some drivers understand some of the road markings used, I'm sure that some don't know what a yellow hatched box on a junction means. I know not knowing isn't a defence but I think the government, if they go a head with this, should run some sort of ad campaign informing drivers what to do. Frankly I'm getting annoyed with the ever increasing funding burden (speed cameras etc) and the lack of any noticeable result.
Sam, Manchester
Give the wardens no more power; they already abuse their existing ones with false allegations and spurious 'bonus' schemes. Another great idea from a 'remote and soulless' government.
Eric, London, UK
Odd. The most flagrant minor abusers of the rules of the road are cyclists: ignoring red lights, pedestrian crossing rules, one way systems and hopping on and off the pavement to bypass traffic controls as they see fit. Why don't we legislate for cyclists to be registered, show number plates, pay tax and carry insurance? It's isn't just the automotive road user that is the hazard.
Mark, Harrogate, London (City)
Absolutely! It's about time something was done about those causing congestion and taking no notice of road laws that are there for our own safety. Our quality of life is being degraded by the number of cars on the roads: this is one way at keeping the menace at bay.
Chris Williams, Solihull, UK
| Those who spend a lot of time on the road will sometimes make errors of judgement |
There seem to be a lot of self righteous drivers out there, I'll wager most of them probably don't do it for a living. It is easy to stick steadfast to the rules if you don't drive a lot or have all day to get to your destination. Those who spend a lot of time on the road will sometimes make errors of judgement. They are not bad drivers just human beings. Why should they be penalised because the odds are against them? The government should get to grips with traffic problems by providing workable solutions to congestion.
Nigel Bull, Southampton Of course Traffic Wardens should be able to issue fines. If people stick to the rules then they wouldn't have any to issue, would they?
Mike, Ashford, Ashford, Kent
Will they extend this to cover the blockage of Keep Clear boxes? I wish SOMEBODY would nick all the people who ignore the Keep Clear box at the top of the road I live in!
Marcus, London
So the private companies provide a budget for the expected revenues and incomes from the scheme, the private companies then find their budgets contained a big black hole and then the public sector bail them out. So would I want to pay for budgetary errors, I don't think so, who would. Seems a good idea but would never work in the short or long term. Will the traffic wardens receive the same salary as a policeman, don't think so. I would not work twice as much for a small pay rise and neither should the traffic wardens
Mark, London
Can the legislation be extended to fine drivers who insist on driving with their front fog lights switched on when it isn't foggy, blinding everyone on the road?
Ian B, Staffs, UK
For those who criticise these proposals, the answer is simple. Don't break the law!
Greg P, Leicester, UK
Any costs coming out of these proposals will be borne by people who break the law. I see no problem in raising revenue from people who choose to ignore traffic regulations. It is no worse than raising revenue from smokers who ignore health advice. Apart from the income the other benefit for society is deterring some people from breaking the law and freeing up the roads a bit, as a consequence.
Richard, UK
Don't be daft! Traffic Wardens with more power? Next you'll be telling they're going to put armed guards on planes!!!
Andy Green, Plymouth, UK.
| The government are way too lenient on crimes committed on the road |
I think that people who get points on their licence should have their licences confiscated for five years and their car impounded after 3 points, and fines should be raised by a thousand pounds or so. Look at the number of deaths on the road... then compare the lenient fines/points system (which allows multiple errors before having your licence taken) and compare it to the sentences for crimes which are far less common, and less dangerous. The government are way too lenient on crimes committed on the road.
Nick, Scotland This could be seen as contradictory. Where I come from the Traffic Warden service is being moved from Police control to Local Authority control. This, presumably, means that while it may seem a good idea to place the fixed penalty system with the Wardens it may end up being our local town council who set the fines, which will in turn be income for them. And, seeing as their parking charges absolutely stink, then it could be disastrous for us.
Rick, UK
I think its a good idea, but it should only be used in right situation, or when the driver could of caused an accident... but I do feel that the wardens should be a little more "relaxed" about other issues is they do get this "right"?! or "Power"?!
Raymond, Ansdell
I agree with this bill completely - it is a different issue from the revenue earning speed cameras - people who ignore traffic markings and lanes are ignorant of the rules of the road and this is the only way to get through.
Kevin Alderson, Bognor Regis, UK
If things are being done by post does this mean I could get a letter claiming that I stopped on a box junction two weeks ago based on nothing more than the word of a jobsworth who was a little below their target for the week? What sort of evidence will be provided to ensure that only the guilty are penalised and how can someone possibly prove, several days after an alleged incident, that they actually stopped well clear of the junction in question?
Dave Tankard, UK
| I would prefer points as well |
Are they waking up at last? I would prefer points as well, but all monies raised should go to road repairs. Give the wardens the powers to do their job properly.
U.N., Paignton, England Another de-skilling exercise? Police have extensive training and entrance requirements to ensure that they understand the law that they enforce, Traffic cops even more training. Traffic wardens get a uniform and a pad, hardly equivalent skills to compare. Police mess up you have the courts for redress, the Traffic Wardens you have the council. Where will this end?
Matt Donnley, Hamilton, Scotland
A good way of improving throughflow at roadworks would be to require motorists to use all available lanes and then filter in as they arrive at the bollards. This would remove the annoyance of the inconsiderate drivers who drive past queues and then push in at the last minute.
John, Northumberland
Best way to beat the fines is not to commit the offence. Sounds silly doesn't it, but it's true. I have worked as an agency driver, but have never had a parking ticket, speeding fine nor do I block out yellow boxes. That's the difference between professional drivers and amateurs. Pros know that yellow boxes keep traffic moving, and so they must be kept free
Shaun, London
Moaning, whingeing motorists. Give it a rest. (Yes, I do drive). It's quite simple; if you don't want to pay the fine, don't do the crime. If these new regulations cost you more money, tough, it's your own fault!
Russell Kennedy, Chelmsford, England
All traffic laws are designed to protect other road users from the reckless behaviour of the moronic few. To regard enforcement of the law as anti-motorist is the same logic as saying the burglar needs protection from his victim. Break the law and suffer the consequences - it serves you right!
Andrew, Luton, UK
Given that some Traffic Wardens are from outside contractors, does this mean we will now have a privatized police force?
Dan, Horsham, UK
I wish the Government would make up its mind whether it wants traffic to flow or stop. At the moment we have traffic lights set to cause maximum delay, traffic calming schemes, low speed limits, bus lanes, built out bus stops, the Dartford Crossing toll, etc., all deliberately slowing traffic and now we are told that extra powers are to be given to poorly trained civilians to speed traffic up.
Brian W, Chelmsford, UK
| A great many of the problems are caused by people's attitude to traffic wardens |
There seem to be an awful lot of people very anti Traffic Wardens. I for one think they do a good job in a bad situation. A great many of the problems are caused by people's attitude to traffic wardens, any wonder why they might not appear to friendly when they have an irate motorist illegally parked shouting at them. Ever tried talking to a traffic warden nicely, they are human after all!
Bruce, UK I am seriously thinking about becoming a pedestrian again... It seems that every government decision recently is aimed at the victimisation of the motorist. Maybe it's a conspiracy to lower traffic volumes and increase profits from public transport (which is quite dangerous in the cities by the way).
Harry, Manchester UK
Too many drivers still seem to regard the "dodging" of traffic laws as some sort of sport. The attitude of many seems to be that it's OK ME to speed, park outside schools, ignore box junctions etc - as long as I don't get caught. The laws are clear enough and should be properly enforced. The whiners should stop whining and drive as they were taught.
Robert Fox, York
It seems that motorists expect to be able to break the law without any consequences. A single illegally parked vehicle near a junction can cause huge amounts of congestion, and a vehicle stopped in a bus or cycle lane causes great danger for other road users. Motorists need to accept that if they obeyed the law accidents and delays would be greatly reduced.
Jim Chisholm, Cambridge
What are they going to do? Pull out a flashing blue light, put it on their head and run after you wailing? I know London traffic is slow but I can outrun a traffic warden.
AT, London, UK
That is great news, now the people that only signal right after the lights have changed will be ticketed! But seriously, isn't this the job of the police?
Carl Pheasant, London
Don't want to pay the fines? Don't break the law. The people bleating about fines for blocking junctions and hatched boxes are probably the same people who bleat about congestion!
Guy Chapman, Reading, UK
| Rather than dish out fines, driving offences should carry points |
I agree. Great idea, but rather than dish out fines, driving offences should carry points instead. This would contribute more toward easing congestion as poor drivers (and there are a lot of them about) would be banned from using their cars. Driving a car should be seen as a privilege and not a right and offenders should be suitably punished.
Ian, UK Oh, whoopee, more anti-motorist action. Why don't they just ban road vehicles altogether and get us to walk everywhere? Or, easier still, just give the traffic wardens everyone's number plates so they can book people for driving past them in a menacing manner. It's insanity.
Michelle, UK
I love driving - I do more than 20K miles each year. I wholeheartedly support this idea. It's not "Anti-Motorist", as Michelle, UK seems to feel, it's "Anti-Selfish Motorist who breaks the rules", and that's just fine by me!
John, England
Doctors acting as immigration officials, travel agents acting as truant officers, and now traffic wardens acting as police constables. If everyone has their own job plus another one from the public sector, the government will save a fortune.
Gerry Noble, Salisbury, UK
The theory may be OK, but our council outsourced the traffic warden duties, so we now have private traffic wardens who are far more concerned with making a profit by maximising the number of parking fines issued, and wardens now have targets to meet. As a consequence, common sense is no longer applied, and tickets are issued for any minor infringement. To let these Companies loose on further law enforcement would be dangerous.
The other question is why it is only for motoring offences that the Government want a zero tolerance policy? Perhaps if they applied similar hard line policies towards burglary, criminal damage and car theft, these policies would have a lot more public support.
John C, Bath, England
| If people obeyed the laws of the road they would have nothing to worry about |
I am fed up listening and watching the news concerning this - if people obeyed the laws of the road they would have nothing to worry about! Double yellow lines mean NO WAITING - not you can go get your newspaper! When will people take responsibility for their actions?
Jaclyn, Bristol, England No no no! Traffic Wardens have absolutely no concept of exceptions when things are absolutely required (emergencies) or genuine mistakes. I'm presently appealing against a ticket issued claiming my car was somewhere it wasn't! Why is the onus on me to prove it was elsewhere - why don't they prove with evidence that it was where they claimed? Don't talk to me about traffic wardens - they are the last people on earth who should have anything to do with traffic management and fines!
Natasha, Henley, UK
I would be all for it if adequate legal parking facilities were available. These have dwindled proportionately to the increase in the number of cars and traffic wardens. All the government is doing is allowing local councils a way to prop up the council tax short fall and applying another stealth tax on the British public.
Duncan, Salisbury, UK
People in Britain are held down by tight laws and rules. The last thing we need is another legislation that holds us down even more.
Craig and Sheryl, Bristol, UK
Most of the traffic wardens I've come across in London appear to be little more than automatons with only the most rudimentary communication skills and to give them the power to fine drivers is asking for them to be confronted and assaulted en masse.
Squiz, Islington
This is concerning. Traffic wardens are mostly on performance bonuses. In many cases this has resulted in dishonest wardens issuing tickets to innocent motorists. Sounds like yet another measure to get money easily out of an easy target... motorists.
Keith, UK
Somebody needs the power to fine middle lane drivers, preferably enough to pay for the third of the motorway they render useless.
Douglas, London, UK
| This is just another revenue earner |
This is just another revenue earner. Come on Mr Blair, what you really want is to take every penny we have and give us 'pocket money'. In this country the only ones who are not fined or taxed to the hilt are the ones who don't have road tax at all and work on a 'cash in hand' basis. All the honest citizens seem to be the victims of this current regime. I agree we must punish law breakers so why not start on the criminals.
Tony Westgate, UK Definitely not! The standard of proof and evidence required for a prosecution by the police (or for that matter, local authorities) is quite high. I have little trust that wardens would possess sufficient knowledge, experience, tact and expediency in the application of rules that result in fines. I would rather see fine by CCTV because at least there would be evidence that a magistrate can analyse rather than a partial view given by one person against another with the burden of proof being necessarily on the driver to prove innocence or good cause.
Steve, Wales
This is clearly showing that our policing policy is failing and we are not getting enough police officers on the streets to protect and to watch for criminals. I guess the next step will be for these wardens to arrest people on other traffic violations??
N Khan, London, UK
If traffic wardens effectively did the job they're already paid to do much of the traffic congestion would be removed. Apart from accidents and road works, inappropriate and illegal parking cause most of the traffic jams in built-up areas that I've personally witnessed. Another culprit is inappropriate traffic light sequencing which can cause congestion on otherwise quiet roads.
Authorities which allow cyclists to use bus lanes also contribute to congestion. Deal with the authorities and those who are supposed to enforce rules before yet again taking arbitrary action against otherwise law-biding motorists.
John M, LyneMeads, UK
It is about time laws are enforced, there is an ever increasing 'group' in society that do what they like when it comes to driving, but, as the police won't be doing this, what will the police actually be doing? After all they had a 15% increase from the council tax, if they will only be selective on what they enforce perhaps I should be selective on what I pay to the council.
Andrew Norris, Hampshire, England
We are in legislation melt-down, the last thing we need is more control on motorists, and even more clerks (costs) to administer the rules!
D.C. Handley, Teesside UK A lot of people will say that if people break the rules they should pay the price which is fair enough but it seems that this only ever applies to motorists. I would support these new fines provided a similar effort was put into fining cyclists who ride at night without lights or who ride on the pavement, and to pedestrians who fail to use the green cross code.
Mark, Blackpool, England
Sensible use of resource as far as I am concerned. Leaves the police to concentrate on real crime.
DS, Newcastle UK
NO, most traffic wardens are robots and cannot think outside the box. The ones I have met have no reasoning powers. Having to meet targets do not help either. I was wrongly accused of mis-parking by Kingston council by an over enthusiastic parking attendant. I tried to reason with him to no avail. It was only because I had my camera with me that I proved to the council that I wasn't parked illegally. They agreed and thus I didn't pay the fine, but it was a load of hassle that shouldn't have happened in the first place.
Bill, UK
Sounds like giving a guinea pig the teeth of a tiger to me.
Paul Sealey, Cannock, England
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
