New powers will bring enforcement of road rules at four key Gloucestershire locations

Motorists will find some key changes on popular traffic routes in Gloucestershire later in May. The aim is to reduce congestion, improve bus journey times, and improve road safety.

The changes are coming after Gloucestershire County Council applied to the Department for Transport for new powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions. The idea is to help police 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 May 20.

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Enforcement that will take place at

• Alstone Croft, Cheltenham (no entry)

• Parabola Road/Lansdown Road, Cheltenham (yellow box junction)

• Parliament Street/Brunswick Road (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. They should access the High Street via Bennington Street.

The county council says 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."