Why we enforce
Traffic Management Act 2004
objectives
Section 16 of the Traffic Management Act 2004
“The Network Management Duty” places a duty on a local traffic
authority to manage the traffic network to ensure the expeditious
movement of traffic, (including pedestrians and cyclists).
See TMA2004
The action which the authority may
take in performing that duty includes, in particular, any action
which they consider will contribute to securing—
(a)
the more efficient use of their
road network; or
(b)
the avoidance, elimination or
reduction of road congestion or other disruption to the movement of
traffic on their road network or a road network for which another
authority is the traffic authority;
Local Transport Plan 2
Objectives
Maintain Traffic Flow
People use vehicles to get from A to B.
They do not wish to be delayed unnecessarily by badly parked
vehicles. A clear system of parking rules and enforcement
helps to maintain traffic flow, whilst allowing parking to take
place at locations where it is more acceptable and has a lesser
impact on traffic flow.
Accident Prevention
Parked vehicles create both a visual and
physical obstruction which affects all road users. This can
be a particular problem at junctions, where the driver needs to
have a clear view in all directions.
Assist Vulnerable Road
Users
Parked vehicles create particular hazards for
the young, elderly and disabled road users. Parking at
pedestrian crossing points is particularly inconsiderate and
dangerous. Enforcement of bays reserved for Disabled Blue
Badge holders is a top priority too. These bays are essential
for Disabled people to get out and about.
Better Environment
Excessive parking leads to an unwanted visual
impact and sometimes, in the case of parking on verges and
footways, creates physical damage too. Where parking
restricts the free flow of traffic, this too can have an adverse
impact on the environment, as it leads to unnecessary stopping,
starting and reversing. It can also lead to tailbacks and
traffic jams.
Manage competing demands for kerb
space
Kerbside space can be in high demand,
particularly near shopping areas, hospitals, railway stations and
in residential areas. Harlow council seeks to introduce
suitable schemes to manage the use of kerbside space and to protect
it, where necessary, for particular groups of motorists. We
have resident parking zones where residents can purchase residents
parking permits. We have similar permits for business users
and we can also provide disabled permits, free of charge, to
residents who hold the Disabled Blue Badge.