Moving traffic enforcement was up to scratch, and double check to see if any physical improvements could be made rather than immediately going for enforcement. Our six-week public consultation showed the majority support all of the locations that we were proposing to enforce, which gave us the confidence that our site selection process was robust. I think in part this is to do with the type of restrictions chosen and also the initial stakeholder engagement that we did. Some respondents even asked for additional or more stringent enforcement of restrictions! One thing that has been a concern and we know it is one shared with other authorities as well is the requirement to give warning notices for a period of six months. This appeared quite arbitrary and open to interpretation, and it would be beneficial if we received further guidance on it to help shape enforcement policy. Helen Taverner, parking services manager, Reading Borough Council We are introducing MTE measures to help improve traffic flow on some of our major bus routes. We linked our MTE application to our Bus Service Improvement Plan: if we want more people to use public transport for environmental, congestion and health reasons then it needs to be an attractive and reliable alternative to using a car. Despite having bus lanes, there are still pain points where buses get held up and one of the main ones is because of congestion in yellow box junctions. To start, we have identified 15 key locations where these get blocked regularly and would benefit from more targeted enforcement. When we were gathering data at various sites, we were mindful of ensuring that we have already tried to address any issues that may increase the likelihood of the yellow boxes becoming blocked (such as traffic light sequencing, for example), which is one of the DfTs requirements when you apply for the powers. The process of applying has been very straightforward and logical: the guidance given by the DfT has been clear and easy to follow. The support groups for the early adopters that the BPA set up have been invaluable too: it has been really beneficial to ask questions of other authorities that are applying for the powers and share our experiences and findings. The only challenging part of the process was timing: its a quick turnaround between applying to the DfT and the deadline to run a six-week consultation, gather the results and address any objections. We had an even split in responses between those who were in favour and those who had concerns. Some concerns were about it being a money-making exercise, which we were clearly able to demonstrate it isnt, because we want compliance in order to achieve punctuality and reliability improvements to our bus services. The other main objection was the condition of some of the boxes we are currently in the process of repainting all of these and also putting up extra signage where cameras will be used to ensure the yellow box restrictions are clearly visible to all. It is a DfT requirement that warning notices are given for the first six months of the scheme to give people plenty of time to get used to the new powers. Well also run a big awareness campaign before we go live too. There have been some discussions about visitors after six months who may not be aware that MTE is in place. But, at the end of the day, it shouldnt matter if there is a camera there or not people should comply with the rules of the road: they are there to ensure everyone has a safe journey. Early adopters The first 12 councils to apply for the powers are: Bedford Borough Council Buckinghamshire Council Derby City Council District of Bath and North East Somerset Durham County Council Hampshire County Council Kent County Council Luton Borough Council Norfolk County Council Oxfordshire County Council Reading Borough Council Surrey County Council The DfT is reviewing applications for designation orders in tranches. The second tranche of applications are being accepted between now and November, and the BPA expects the next designation order to be laid in May 2023. 30 PN Oct 2022 pp26-31 MTE.indd 30 23/09/2022 11:40