Drivers caught on camera, ignoring parking and loading restrictions on new cycleways, will be sent a fine by post.

The Government had already changed enforcement rules to allow the use of cameras to fine drivers who flout new road restrictions aimed at encouraging cycling.

Now, the rules have also been updated to allow any resulting penalty charge notices to be issued by post.

As councils across the country are redistributing road space to encourage more people to cycle and walk rather than use public transport, the potential for commercial drivers to incur penalties is high.

The new guidance allowing local authorities to widen pavements and re-distribute road space has been criticised for failing to consider the needs of delivery and service fleets.

No mention is made of maintaining kerbside access for deliveries, the needs of other road-users or the potential economic impact.

Published by the Government to help councils manage social distancing as the lockdown is lifted and people return to work, calls have been made for the guidance to be amended and re-issued.

“We’ve been forgotten in these plans,” said Natalie Chapman, head of urban policy at the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

“Air quality is important, safety is important, but we need to strike the right balance to make sure it’s workable for business.”

Both the FTA and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) have written to the Department for Transport (DfT) to request urgent reassurances over the new guidance.

City transport systems are being re-imagined for life after lockdown. Find out how in the May digital edition of Fleet News by clicking here and what impact it could have fleet operators by clicking here. 

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