Nottinghamshire County Council has confirmed its plans to implement Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to enforce moving traffic violations at key congestion points, marking a significant step in local traffic management.
This decision follows the granting of new enforcement powers by the Department for Transport (DfT), allowing the council to monitor and penalise drivers who disregard traffic restrictions.
Since 1st June 2022, local authorities have had the opportunity to apply for powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions. Nottinghamshire County Council took up this initiative, conducting a six-week public consultation and auditing traffic patterns to determine suitable pilot locations. Two sites, known for high levels of non-compliance despite clear signage and road markings, have been selected for the initial rollout:
- Radcliffe Road/Trent Boulevard Junction: West Bridgford – This busy intersection features a yellow box designed to prevent congestion from Lady Bay Bridge, but vehicles frequently queue within the junction, causing severe traffic build-up. Additionally, a ‘no left turn’ restriction from Trent Boulevard is regularly ignored, particularly following Nottingham Forest football matches, posing a safety risk to pedestrians.
- B6166 Asda Access, Newark: Since the store’s opening in 2011, drivers have continued to illegally turn right into the supermarket, leading to traffic congestion at the nearby Bowman crossroads and obstructing vehicles exiting Albert Street. A 2020 traffic survey recorded 67 violations in a 12-hour period, underscoring the need for enforcement.
Despite submitting its application to the DfT in September 2023, the council faced delays due to the postponement of government decisions in the run-up to the 2024 General Election. However, on 7th December 2024, the statutory instrument was finally approved, granting Nottinghamshire County Council the authority to proceed.
With the powers now in place, enforcement is set to begin at the pilot sites following the installation of two ANPR cameras and enhancements to road signs and markings. The council will initially issue warning notices to offending drivers before moving to full enforcement.
Looking ahead, the council is also prioritising further sites for enforcement, particularly pedestrian zones where vehicle restrictions are routinely ignored. Cartergate in Newark has been identified as a high-priority location due to frequent violations of pedestrian access rules. A review of traffic patterns in the area will be conducted to determine the most effective enforcement strategy.
The installation of the ANPR cameras will cost approximately £48,000, covered by the council’s enforcement budget. Drivers caught violating traffic restrictions will be issued a £70 penalty charge, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. Any surplus revenue from fines will be reinvested into road safety improvements, as per the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
Council officials have ensured compliance with legal and data protection requirements. Data captured by the cameras will be processed following the same protocols already in place for bus lane and parking enforcement, minimising any privacy concerns.
The initiative has received backing from key local representatives. Councillor Penny Gowland has endorsed the measures at the Radcliffe Road junction, while Councillors Sue Saddington and Keith Girling support enforcement at the Newark Asda site and broader efforts to tackle traffic violations on Cartergate.
