Case Study
Moving Traffic Enforcement: Keeping our Roads Moving
MTE is an important tool to help councils keep traffic moving in urban areas
By Simon Bradley, Taranto Client Services Director
As the number of vehicles on Britain’s roads continues to increase, so does pressure on local authorities to ensure that traffic moves smoothly and congestion is minimised.
Moving Traffic Enforcement (MTE) is an important tool for local councils in England, helping to keep traffic flowing in urban areas. And the added benefits of tackling congestion include the consequent reduction in vehicle emissions, leading to improved air quality, as well as the additional road safety enhancements for all users.
Based on our experience with our London clients, who have had moving traffic powers for many years, Taranto has a deep understanding of successful MTE strategies. Our experience of supporting local authorities demonstrates the tangible benefits that MTE can deliver – both for councils and their local communities.
A wide range of Moving Traffic Offences
There is a range of traffic offences that can be enforced under MTE, including:
- Stopping in box junctions
- Driving in bus lanes
- Entering no-entry zones
- Making illegal turns
- Entering pedestrian zones
- Violating one-way restrictions
- Ignoring School Streets restrictions
Taranto’s highly configurable system allows councils to decide which specific traffic issues to target. Whether the focus is on congestion hotspots or road safety around schools, Taranto can be tailored to meet each authority’s enforcement priorities.
Early days in MTE enforcement
Whilst many of our clients in urban areas have been considering the benefits of implementing MTE, a number of Taranto clients have operational experience of applying the regulations. During 2025, Taranto was used to issue over 200,000 PCNs for MTE contraventions in 77 locations, generating over £10.5m in parking revenue.
Integration with ANPR cameras
We believe that we are just starting to scratch the surface of applying MTE regulations. Once large towns and cities start to appreciate how MTE can help improve traffic flow with minimal effort, using integration with ANPR cameras, it will become clear that MTE is a major asset in urban traffic management.
ANPR camera integration is a crucial element of a moving traffic strategy. Photographic evidence provides clear proof of when and where a contravention occurred, resulting in fewer appeals and faster case resolution. A key element of the Taranto MTE solution is its integration with a wide range of ANPR hardware.
Encouraging behavioural change
According to one of our clients, the installation of fixed cameras to observe and record moving traffic violations is not only essential in providing evidence, it can also act as a deterrent for motorists. The presence of cameras can help to reduce the number of offences recorded and consequently, improve traffic flow.
MTE in practice
Whilst there is a range of offences that MTE can be used for, in practice, Taranto’s clients tend to use MTE for stopping in box junctions, which can be a significant cause of congestion, particularly around inter-connected road junctions. School streets restrictions are also often implemented – with the aim of making roads around schools safer – as well as reducing bottlenecks at peak times. Bus lane violations may be tackled by MTE or many of our clients are implementing red routes, which can also be enforced using Taranto.
Educating motorists and building awareness
Because MTE is still relatively new outside of London, many motorists may not be aware of the regulations. Councils that have adopted MTE have been careful to make sure that motorists understand the need to adhere to the new rules. Councils often start off with an MTE awareness phase, using clear roadside signage and issuing warning notices, instead of going straight to issuing penalty charge notices (PCNs).
This approach gives motorists time to adjust, while reinforcing the importance of compliance. Each local authority can decide how long the warning period should last, with some opting to extend grace periods beyond the initial period. Taranto’s flexibility allows councils to easily adjust warning notice periods, ensuring that enforcement policies remain aligned with local decisions.
Supporting smarter, greener travel
Through data and insights gathered during the warning phase, councils can also identify where restrictions deliver the greatest impact and make informed decisions about where to expand their MTE network.
MTE isn’t just about enforcement: It also supports wider transport and environmental goals, as well encouraging driver behaviours. By discouraging unnecessary driving and highlighting congestion-prone areas, councils can encourage drivers to rethink travel choices and make greater use of public transport or active travel options such as bikes or scooters.
Scalable, flexible and cost-effective
Making the most of Taranto’s flexibility, councils can trial new MTE sites, adjust configurations, and scale up as their enforcement schemes evolve – without needing external support or costly system changes. ANPR integration and flexible configuration tools make it easy to add new locations or modify notice periods as needed.
This scalability ensures that Taranto clients can adapt their enforcement strategy as local conditions change, while keeping costs under control.
Taranto’s MTE Experience
As more councils adopt Moving Traffic Enforcement, the benefits – from smoother traffic flow and reduced journey times, to cleaner air and improved road safety – are becoming increasingly clear.
For more information on how Taranto has worked with our clients to successfully implement MTE,
Simon Bradley, Client Services Director
Simon Bradley is Taranto Systems’ head of Client Services, leading a dedicated team focused on providing outstanding service to clients across public and private sectors. With over 20 years’ experience in technology services and support, Simon’s knowledge and expertise enable him to drive continuous improvement and strategic initiatives to enhance client engagement and ensure service excellence.