New traffic enforcement measures could be introduced at a busy junction in West Bridgford and residents think it’s ‘long overdue’. Nottinghamshire County Council could put new traffic enforcement measures at the junction of Radcliffe Road and Trent Boulevard in West Bridgford.
The county council is planning to apply for new powers from the Government to enforce moving traffic offences. Currently only the police can enforce moving traffic offences, which include stopping in a yellow box junction and ignoring banned left or right turn signs.
However, recent changes to legislation now mean that local authorities can apply to enforce these offences through the use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.
What three words would you use to describe Nottinghamshire? Let us know
The yellow box junction on Radcliffe Road and Trent Boulevard has been chosen for enforcement due to the high number of vehicles queuing on the markings at peak times which blocks access from other streets.
Any potential enforcement for the junction would also cover the ‘no left turn’ instruction out of Trent Boulevard onto Radcliffe Road which endangers pedestrians who are crossing.
Locals in the area think plans for cameras would be a 'good deterrent' and are 'long overdue'. “I do think it’s a good idea, it’s such a busy junction,” said 34-year-old Anya Hayes.
“People are queuing in traffic and waiting in the yellow box when they shouldn’t and there’s people coming from all directions. It’s quite dangerous. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone turn left when they shouldn’t. But I do think cameras are needed.”
Plans have also been suggested for a junction in Newark. The ASDA access off the B6166 Portland Street in Newark has a large number of motorists attempting to turn left into the store, despite the ‘no left turn’ sign. Nottinghamshire County Council said that this causes traffic to build on other routes in the area.
Another resident, Simon Smith, has lived in the area for 10 years, he said it will be positive for the area. The 50-year-old said: “It would probably be a good thing, especially on match days of cricket and football. I don’t drive but my wife does, I do think there should be a camera.
“It’s well used, its not too crazy at certain times.”
57-year-old Janet Anderson said: “It’s long overdue. I think it’s important to make it safer, it’s a really busy junction, rush hour gets really bad. I’m all for the idea.”
Penalty Charge Notices for moving traffic contraventions are set nationally and are currently £70, with a 50 percent discount offered for payment within the first 14 days.
The county council would now like the views of residents and motorists on the potential future enforcement at these sites. People have until June 20 to comment on the plans.
Mark Walker, Service Director for Place at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Currently only Nottinghamshire Police can enforce moving traffic offences in Nottinghamshire, but the legislation change means that the county council could use these powers at identified sites.
“We are considering applying to the Department for Transport (DfT) for these powers because we recognise that despite clear signage, some restrictions on the road network are now being followed, which is resulting in safety concerns and congestion.
“Road safety remains a high priority for us at the county council and we want to do all we can to make Nottinghamshire highways as safe as possible for all road users.
“Evidence suggests that the use of ANPR cameras by other local authorities has been effective in ensuring compliance.
“We have chosen two locations in Nottinghamshire which are both congested and see a high number of contraventions each day, and motorists who ignore these restrictions are putting other road users in danger.
“We are keen to hear from as many people as possible about the potential enforcement at these sites and all responses will be considered by the county council before any application for these powers is made.
“The earliest date for enforcement beginning would be Autumn 2023 and we will keep residents and motorists updated throughout the application process.”
READ NEXT:
Coronation Concert viewers 'gutted' after Royal family member didn't attend show
‘Nightmare’ parking problems on narrow Nottinghamshire road causes buses to divert
Virgin Media statement as Nottingham services disrupted by trespassers
Pictures show Nottinghamshire celebrating King Charles' Coronation
Room 'filled with smoke' during flat fire in Nottingham city centre
