Further measures to cut congestion, speed up local bus services, encourage more walking and cycling and improve road safety are set to be introduced by Gloucestershire County Council.

Local authorities outside of London were invited to apply to the Department for Transport (DfT) for new powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions, helping the police to focus on other priorities.

The government approved the county's council's request to enforce moving traffic contraventions last summer.

The enforcement of traffic contraventions at four locations is going live on 20 May 2024:

• Alstone Croft, Cheltenham (no entry)
• Parabola Road/Lansdown Road, Cheltenham (yellow box junction)
• Parliament Street/Brunswick Road, Gloucester (banned right turn)
• High Street, Cheltenham (vehicles accessing an area designated for buses and emergency vehicles only)

Taxis are also reminded they are banned from using this restricted area of Cheltenham High Street and should access the High Street via Bennington Street.

This enforcement of traffic rules will help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow and road safety. This will encourage more people to take up walking and cycling and encourage greater use of public transport.

The enforcement of three bus lanes in the county - B4063 Gloucester Road inbound bus lane Arle Court, Cheltenham; A40 inbound Benhall, Cheltenham; and Barley Road, Prestbury - went live last December.

Phase 2 locations are currently being identified and consultation will take place this summer on enforcement proposals.

Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member for road safety, said: "The majority of road users travel safely and follow the traffic regulations, however a small number do not, which causes a potential safety issue for everyone.

"Enforcing offences in these locations will act as a deterrent to people who are tempted to break the rules, which will help to prevent collisions. These measures will make our roads safer and keep traffic flowing, as well as encourage walking and cycling and promote the use of public transport."