Council bosses have hit back at the Department for Transport (DfT) over plans to restrict their ability to generate surpluses from traffic contraventions, calling the plans misguided and even questioning whether the Government violated pre-election rules.
In response to a DfT call for evidence, which closes on 25 May, the Local Government Association (LGA) issued a forceful rebuke to the Government and doubled down on its position, calling for higher fines and special penalties for repeat offenders.
'The LGA has some serious concerns with this call for evidence: We believe the call is misplaced – it implies that councils deliberately raise revenue, which we do not agree with,' the councils' body said.
However, local authorities are facing a loss of revenue, as ministers suggested that any local surpluses could be redirected to the Treasury.
The LGA said if this happened it would be 'local residents and road users that are set to lose out'.
It went to list areas that could see cuts in funding if the move was pursued including support for bus travel, SEND transport; road repair and maintenance projects, air quality improvements and other travel and road safety improvements.
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