People in Nottingham have welcomed plans that would see the city council use new powers to fine drivers who take the wrong turn at a busy junction. Nottingham City Council has proposed an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera at the Sheriffs Way/Queens Road junction with Arkwright Street near the train station.
No left or right turns are allowed at the junction, and motorists who make the illegal turn would be at risk of a £35 fine if they are caught by the cameras under the plans. A recent change to Government legislation gave local authorities new powers to use ANPR cameras to enforce moving traffic offences, in a bid to improve road safety.
Nottinghamshire Police currently enforce 'moving traffic offences', and the council have said the proposed change will allow the force to focus on other priorities. At Arkwright Street, Dave Stacey, from the Meadows, said it was a good idea.
Read more: Nottingham drivers could face £70 fines at 4 busy roads under new council powers
"It's a good idea because if you're crossing the road yourself you don't know if they are coming round or not," the 79-year-old said. "I have seen the odd incident having lived near here for 40 years.
However, he said more signage should be installed if plans were to be approved. "There seems to be enough signs on one side but on the other there's only a sign with an arrow for straight on," Mr Stacey continued.
Jude Cieffe, a 42-year-old civil servant from the Arboretum, said: "I don't know if it's needed, although someone did tell me there was a crash out here. But I couldn't tell you if it's needed. I think it's fair enough as long as they signpost it clearly."
Graham Winters, 58, added: "I understand why they want to do it as there's less risk of heavy accidents, there's a lot of bad drivers on the road. A lot of people now would take their test and fail."
Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for highways, transport and parks, councillor Audra Wynter, said: “I welcome the Government’s decision to change the regulations to allow civil enforcement. Currently, only the police can enforce moving traffic offences, but it’s not a priority for them. Motorists who ignore these restrictions can pose a real danger to the most vulnerable road users, so we must act to protect them.”
“I hope people will have their say on this important consultation, and also let us know what other junctions or areas of our road network also need improved safety measures.”
The city council has put the plans for Arkwright Street, as well as proposals for Maid Marian Way, Shakespeare Street and Victoria Embankment out for public consultation. It closes on December 1, and can be found here.
Penalty Charge Notices of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days, would be sent automatically to drivers who break the law at these locations. If awarded the powers, the authority expects to be able to introduce them in Autumn 2023.
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