Motorists face fines of up to £100 in High Street ban (From Gazette)

Motorists face fines of up to £100 in High Street ban

6:00pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News

MOTORISTS found breaching a ban on cars using Colchester High Street could be fined up to £100, it has emerged.

From Sunday, cars will be banned from using the road between 11am and 6pm every day.

Drivers found breaching the new traffic regulation order will be liable for an on-the-spot fine from Essex Police of £30.

If drivers are found parking in High Street, a further charge of £70 will be given by the North Essex Parking Partnership, reduced to £35 if it is paid within 14 days.

But a spokeswoman for Essex County Council, which is co-ordinating the trial ban with Colchester Council, said drivers would be given an undetermined grace period before fines begin being issued.

“There will be a grace period for motorists which is in line with when new traffic regulation orders are implemented,” she said.

“There will be people on the ground giving out information.

“The intention is for it to be verbal information, rather than any leaflets.

“Helpers will be clearly visible in yellow jackets, which members of the public can approach for help.”

An Essex Police spokesman added: “Essex Police has liased with local authorities to ensure that the design of the scheme provides a high level of driver compliance without a need for police intervention to ensure its success.

“However, any drivers detected breaching the ban will be dealt with by means of a non-endorsable fixed penalty ticket to the value of £30.”