BPA calls on government to enable technology to support society

The BPA welcomes the government’s commitment to start the remaining elements of Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004, permitting local authorities outside of London to use cameras to manage moving traffic contraventions.

Published as part of a new cycling and walking strategy, the government also announced it intends to increase combined authorities’ powers over their key route networks – similar to those that apply already in London – and enable integrated highways and transport authority status at combined authority level for these roads.

The impact of Covid-19 has further shifted behavioural change and exposed the urgency to better manage journeys and destinations in a smarter and more holistic way. The UK government recognises this in its Gear Change programme too.

The BPA is now calling on the government to enable the use of cameras and other remote-monitoring technologies to their fullest extent, to allow local authorities to innovate and meet the needs of their communities.

The BPA, Local Government Association and London Councils are calling for ANPR technology to be enabled to support the High Street and to respond to COVID-19.

Letters and a briefing note sent to both Secretaries of State for Transport and Communities call for the UK Government and the devolved nations to fully enable and encourage the use of cameras and remote monitoring technologies like ANPR which would unlock substantial benefits for communities across the UK, support high streets and help underpin a safer economic recovery from COVID-19.  

Kelvin Reynolds, Director of Corporate Affairs says, "COVID-19 has exposed the urgency to better manage people's journeys for everyone's benefit. The UK Government recognises this in its ‘Gear Change’ programme too. We are now urging all four national governments to allow local authorities to make full use of cameras and other remote monitoring technologies which will enable touch-free and fairer experiences for motorists as well as remote monitoring and management of selfish and unwanted parking. Our recent UK wide consumer research shows this has strong public support."

More information on Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act