Sheffield City Council is to begin enforcement action at two locations within the city centre to tackle network congestion, make journeys by public transport more reliable and improve the road network for everyone.
The Council was granted the enforcement powers back in January 2023 and plans to begin acting on them at the start of September this year. This brings Sheffield in line with London, that has long held such powers to help tackle congestion by keeping traffic moving.
Cameras are in place at two locations – at the junction of Queens Road and Myrtle Road, and on Hoyle Street where the tram tracks are. They will monitor vehicles making illegal turns at Queens Road and those blocking the yellow box at Hoyle Street when they don’t have a clear exit, which causes unnecessary congestion and blocks the road for other users.
These enforcement powers aren’t new, it is something South Yorkshire Police have had the power to do in accordance with the Highway Code. However, we have now taken them on as part of our plan to keep traffic moving as much as possible within the city, tackle congestion and improve air quality.
Our Transport Vision for this city is a fantastic plan to achieve this, while at the same time making public transport an attractive and reliable choice. It will give people the option to walk, wheel or cycle around as well as use their vehicle should they choose to and speed up journey times for everyone. It is estimated that that congestion costs the UK ec onomy £30.8 billion a year and it’s a problem that we as a council are determined to tackle head on.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council
Why have we picked those two locations?
The junction at Queens Road and Myrtle Road and the yellow box on Hoyle Street were chosen on their merits of how enforcement will help to tackle congestion, improve the area and reduce collisions. The Council used collision data to look at how we can improve road safety and reduce crashes. Enforcement at these two locations will also help improve journey times for all, including speeding up public transport.
How do I avoid creating congestion and getting a fine?
In accordance with the Highway Code, if a motorist enters a yellow box, they must immediately exit it. Stopping in these yellow boxes only adds to congestion and slows everyone down. Drivers will also be aware of the street signs banning certain turns and can avoid a fine and be considerate to other road users by always obeying those signs.
Any motorist seen stopping within the yellow box at Hoyle Street without a clear exit or making an illegal turn at Queens Road will be spotted by the cameras. The Council’s team will review the images and decide if a penalty charge notice needs to be issued. For the first six months of the project only a warning notice will be issued for a first offence. However, if someone is seen on several occasions then a fine of £70 will be issued.