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Moving Traffic Contravention

By GetRighted Legal Research TeamLast updated July 2026

Summary

Ignoring a 'no entry' sign, making an illegal turn, or driving through a prohibited zone are moving traffic contraventions. The Traffic Management Act 2004 (Part 6, Chapter 2) extended civil enforcement powers beyond parking to include these contraventions, allowing councils in England to take over enforcement from the police using cameras. The scheme was rolled out in London first and is now available to all English councils that apply. Contraventions are captured on camera and result in a PCN issued to the registered keeper — the same escalation process as a parking PCN.

What counts as a moving traffic contravention

Moving traffic contraventions under civil enforcement include: driving in a prohibited direction (a banned turn or no-entry road); entering a prohibited box junction when the exit is not clear; contravening a weight, width, or height restriction sign; driving in a prohibited lane; turning or proceeding contrary to a 'no U-turn' or directional arrow sign. The specific contraventions are set out in Schedule 7 to the Traffic Management Act 2004 and the applicable Traffic Management Order for the area.

How councils enforce moving contraventions

Councils with delegated powers install fixed or mobile cameras covering the prohibited location. Images or video are reviewed by civil enforcement officers who assess whether a contravention occurred. The PCN is issued to the registered keeper within 28 days of the contravention under the TMA 2004 regime. Outside of areas with TMA 2004 civil powers, moving contraventions remain criminal offences enforced by police — though this distinction is shrinking as more councils take on civil powers.

London vs the rest of England

London boroughs have had moving traffic enforcement powers since 2003. Outside London, powers were extended under the Traffic Management Act 2004 but required a Statutory Instrument to activate. From 2022, all English councils can apply to the Secretary of State for these powers. Check whether your issuing council actually holds the delegated power — a PCN issued by a council without the relevant power is unenforceable.

Grounds to challenge a moving traffic PCN

  • ✓Check the council holds valid moving traffic enforcement powers for the relevant location.
  • ✓Obtain and review the TMO — does it cover the specific prohibition at that location?
  • ✓Examine the signs: were they TSRGD-compliant, visible, and correctly positioned?
  • ✓Request the camera footage — was your vehicle correctly identified?
  • ✓Check the timestamp matches the restriction's operating hours.

Exemptions and defences

Emergency vehicles are exempt. Other exemptions depend on the specific TMO. If you entered a no-entry road following a police direction, or to avoid an obstruction not of your making with no other practical route, these facts should be raised in formal representations with supporting evidence. Adjudicators apply the same test as for other PCNs: was the contravention committed, and if so, are there grounds to allow the appeal regardless?

Sources

  1. Traffic Management Act 2004, Part 6, Chapter 2
  2. Traffic Management Act 2004, Schedule 7
  3. Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, s.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a moving traffic PCN add points to my licence?
No. Civil moving traffic PCNs are civil penalties under TMA 2004. They carry no endorsement, no points, and no criminal record. They are equivalent to parking PCNs in their legal effect.
What if a police officer directed me to make the prohibited move?
A constable directing traffic has authority that overrides road signs. If you can evidence a police direction (dash cam footage, officer's collar number), this is a complete defence. Raise it immediately in formal representations.
Can a private company issue moving traffic PCNs?
No. Moving traffic enforcement under TMA 2004 is a public authority function. Private parking operators have no power to issue PCNs for moving contraventions. Any such notice from a private company has no legal basis.

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