Following repeated complaints from residents, Knowsley Council has now secured the power, from the Department for Transport, to take on Moving Traffic Offence Enforcement Powers in key hot spot areas of Kirkby.
This new power means that the Council will now be able to directly enforce any breaches of weight restrictions on both Headbolt Lane and Shevington Lane in Kirkby. This will hopefully deter large vehicles and wagons using this route as a cut through to the motorway.
Cameras have been in place in both locations for some time and from this month (February) anyone breaking traffic regulations in these areas can, and will, be fined.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economic Development and local ward member in Shevington said:
“We listened and understood the concerns shared by residents – particularly large vehicles, not using designated routes and using local roads to shortcut to the motorway. At that time however, we were relatively powerless to address the issues as we had no enforcement power.
We installed ANPR cameras about 18 months ago which did help, but it didn’t solve the issue completely. That’s why we took steps to engage with the Department for Transport and apply for these new powers.
I am really pleased that after quite a lengthy application process we have been successful in securing these powers which gives us the ability to tackle head on the issues that were affecting our residents so much.”
Knowsley Council applied to the Department for Transport in July 2025 to take on Moving Traffic Offence Enforcement Powers. Its application was formally approved just prior to Christmas 2025 meaning the Council can now take enforcement action on those choosing to contravene the 7.5 tonne weight limit set out – which ultimately restricts large vehicles / wagons from using the road.
During the first 6 months of the Council’s enforcement, they will issue a warning – rather than a fine for a first offence. However. any repeat offenders will then be fined without further warning.