Frequently Asked Questions

Moving Traffic Enforcement (MTE) is the use of camera technology to help enforce certain traffic restrictions on Cornwall's roads. Where a vehicle is observed contravening a signed restriction, Cornwall Council may issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) under civil enforcement powers.

Until recently, these traffic offences were enforced only by the Police. In December 2025, the Government gave Cornwall Council the authority to enforce certain moving traffic restrictions using cameras.

Cornwall Council has adopted these enforcement powers to help improve the safety and operation of the highway network. These powers allow the Council to support compliance with traffic restrictions while enabling Devon & Cornwall Police to focus on other policing priorities. The aims of enforcement include:

• Improving road safety
• Reducing congestion
• Supporting reliable public transport services
• Improving air quality
• Supporting walking, wheeling and cycling
• Improving the efficiency and resilience of the highway network

Moving Traffic Enforcement may be used at locations where specific traffic restrictions are in place, including:

• No Entry restrictions
• Prohibited turns (such as No Right Turn or No Left Turn)
• Restrictions on certain vehicle movements
• Pedestrian or vehicle-restricted zones
• Yellow box junctions
• Other traffic restrictions supported by legal orders and appropriate signage

Cornwall Council takes an evidence-led approach when considering locations for enforcement. Sites are assessed against factors such as:

• Road safety concerns
• Levels of non-compliance
• Traffic congestion
• Impacts on public transport reliability
• Local traffic management objectives

Camera enforcement will only be introduced where there is a clear and demonstrable need. 

Market Jew Street and Market Place are key destinations in Penzance town centre, serving local businesses, public services, and transport links. Existing vehicle restrictions were introduced to improve safety, accessibility, and the town centre environment. However, some drivers continue to enter the area during restricted times. Enforcement cameras will help ensure these existing restrictions are followed, creating a safer and more accessible space for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Camera enforcement will apply to:

Prohibition of Motor Vehicles 11am-4pm, except for local buses and taxis (Hackney Carriages) 

• Including Market Jew Street and Market Place

Contra-flow Bus Lane (including pedal cycles) / One-Way Traffic Restriction

• Market Place

‘No right turn’ 

• Adelaide Street into MJS

Yes. Some vehicles are exempt from certain traffic restrictions where an exemption is included in the relevant Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

Cornwall Council will maintain an exemption list for each restriction being enforced. This list will be used during the enforcement process to identify vehicles that are permitted to use a restricted route and should not receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

For example, in Market Jew Street, exemptions apply to local buses using the one-way restriction in Market Place, and to both local buses and licensed hackney carriages using the Prohibition of Driving restriction in Market Jew Street.

Other exempt vehicles may include emergency service vehicles, authorised utility vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles, and any other vehicle types specified in the relevant Traffic Regulation Order.

No.  Blue Badge holders will not be exempt from the restrictions. However, a Blue Badge holder parked in the disabled parking spaces on the street before the restrictions begin at 11am will be able to leave without facing a penalty.

There are a number of measures supporting continued access to Market Jew Street during the hours of restrictions, these include:

• Bus services
• Additional Blue Badge
• Free Shop Mobility scooter hire
• Upgraded Wharfside lifts

For further information please see the Market Jew Street Accessibility Guide 

Yes. Before Cornwall Council could introduce Moving Traffic Enforcement powers, it was required to undertake a formal public consultation. This provided residents, businesses and other stakeholders, in Penzance, with an opportunity to comment on the proposal for the Council to undertake civil enforcement of moving traffic contraventions in Market Jew Street. 

The consultation ran from 14 May to 25 June 2025. Feedback received was carefully considered before Cornwall Council decided to apply to the Department for Transport for the necessary enforcement powers. The consultation produced a positive response overall, with strong support for the introduction of enforcement at both locations.

The legal order granting Cornwall Council these powers was laid before Parliament on 13 November 2025, and the powers came into effect on 9 December 2025. 

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be installed at approved enforcement locations. Potential contraventions are reviewed by trained officers before any enforcement action is taken. Where a contravention is confirmed, a PCN will be issued by post to the registered keeper of the vehicle.

Yes. Enforcement locations will be clearly signed and advance warning signs will be provided where appropriate. Supporting motorists to understand and comply with restrictions is an important part of the scheme.

The penalty charge for a moving traffic contravention is currently:

£70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

Penalty charge levels are set nationally. 

Yes. Anyone who receives a PCN has the right to challenge it if they believe it was incorrectly issued. Information explaining how to make representations or appeal will be included with the notice.

No. The primary purpose of Moving Traffic Enforcement is to improve compliance with traffic restrictions, enhance road safety and support the effective operation of Cornwall's transport network. As compliance improves, the number of PCNs issued is expected to reduce.

Income from PCNs must first cover the costs of administering and operating the enforcement service. Any surplus income is legally ring-fenced and can only be used for purposes set out in legislation, including:

• Road safety improvements
• Congestion reduction initiatives
• Public transport improvements
• Air quality measures
• Highway and environmental improvement projects

It cannot be used to fund unrelated council services. 

Potentially. The Council continues to review locations across Cornwall where camera enforcement could provide benefits. Any future sites would be assessed individually and, where required, subject to consultation and statutory processes.

Yes. Devon & Cornwall Police retain their existing enforcement powers. Moving traffic offences may therefore be subject to both police and civil enforcement. In the unlikely event that both a Police Fixed Penalty Notice and a Council PCN are issued for the same offence, the police action would take precedence.

The Council will monitor each enforcement location to understand its effectiveness. Measures may include:

• Changes in compliance levels
• Reductions in prohibited vehicle movements
• Improvements to traffic flow
• Road safety outcomes
• Public transport reliability
• Numbers of warning notices and PCNs issued

The overall aim is to encourage safer and more responsible use of Cornwall's road network.