Nottinghamshire County Council has confirmed plans to install Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at major congestion areas to help enforce traffic laws, in a major step forward in local traffic management.
The decision follows new enforcement powers for the Department for Transport, which allow councils to police and penalise drivers who ignore road restrictions.
From 1 June 2022, local authorities will be able to apply for traffic enforcement powers. Nottinghamshire County Council launched the initiative following a six-week public consultation and traffic pattern review to identify suitable pilot sites. Two locations were chosen as initial sites for the system where, despite clear signs and road markings, levels of non-compliance were high:
Although the council submitted an application to the Department for Transport in September 2023, it was delayed by the government’s decision to defer the review ahead of the 2024 general election. However, on 7 December 2024, statutory instrument was finally given approval, giving Nottinghamshire County Council the powers to proceed.
Once the powers come into force, enforcement will begin in the pilot area, which will see two ANPR cameras installed and road signs and markings improved. The council will initially issue warnings to offending drivers before introducing full enforcement measures.
Going forward, the City Council will also prioritise additional enforcement locations, particularly in pedestrian areas where vehicle restrictions are often ignored. Cartergate in Newark has been identified as a priority location due to the high incidence of pedestrian traffic violations. The Council will review traffic patterns in the area to determine the most effective enforcement strategy.
The cost of installing ANPR cameras is around £48,000 and is paid for by the council’s enforcement budget. Drivers who break the traffic restrictions will be fined £70, but if paid within 14 days the fine will be reduced to £35. Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, any remaining revenue from fines is reinvested into improving road safety.
Council staff have ensured that legal and data protection requirements are met. Data from the cameras will be processed using the same protocols already used for parking enforcement and public transport lane allocation, minimising privacy concerns.
The initiative has received the backing of key local representatives. Councillor Penny Gowland welcomed the measures in Radcliffe Junction, while councillors Sue Saddington and Keith Girling backed tighter enforcement at the Newark Asda site and wider measures to tackle traffic offences in Cartergate.
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Post time: Feb-25-2025