Council grasps the nettle with ANPR cameras

30/08/2024 | CHRIS AMES

Rotherham Council is installing automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at five ‘key sites’ under new powers to enforce moving traffic offences.

The highway authority said the cameras will allow enforcement against drivers who are putting themselves and others at risk by driving through pedestrian zones and making other illegal manoeuvres.

It said motorists have ignored restrictions at the sites for a number of years, with police officers previously needed on site to catch offenders.

The enforcement powers under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act (2004) were not available to English councils outside London until 2022, when the previous government invited authorities to apply on a case by case basis, before freezing the rollout to new authorities earlier this year.

Rotherham MBC leader Chris Read said: ‘One of the council’s key priorities is to keep people safe, healthy and well and these new traffic cameras will improve road safety by ensuring that more motorists follow long-standing traffic rules, helping to keep pedestrian areas and junctions working properly for everyone.

‘When drivers ignore traffic signs they often become a danger to pedestrians and their fellow road users. These cameras will ensure more motorists follow the restrictions and use our roads safely and responsibly.’

The cameras will be introduced in phases, with two locations in the town centre and one in Catcliffe going live this week and two cameras at the Clifton Lane crossroads expected to go live later this year.

The council said there will be a short grace period before penalty charge notices are issued, during which warning letters will be sent to first-time offenders.

It pointed out that two areas in Rotherham Town Centre where the cameras are being used – High Street (pictured) and Bridgegate – are pedestrianised areas with no access for motorised vehicles except permit holders between 10am and 4pm.

It said the ‘long-standing issue’ of motorists driving down these streets posing a danger to pedestrians has frequently been reported by businesses and residents.

The council’s approach is in stark contrast to that of Norfolk County Council, which last year scrapped a ban on cars using a street in the centre of Norwich, largely on the grounds that large numbers of drivers were ignoring the restriction.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Highways Maintenance Manager

£51,356 - £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Selby, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

£51,356- £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Brompton on Swale, Richmond
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Permit Officer - Internal works promoter - WMF2244e

£34,434 - £35,412
The streetworks Permit Officer role within the highways service Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Development Management Engineer

£41,816 - £45,175
You will be based in the Highways Development Team and work closely with colleagues across the wider transport service. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Transport Project Officer

£34,203 - £37,067
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated project officer to work in our Highways and Transport Service. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Engineer - Structures

£40,777 - £44,075
Join the successful Structures team, and become a vital team member Broad Lane Office, Yate
Recruiter: South Gloucestershire Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2251e

£26,403 - £26,824
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Traffic Management Technician WMF2256e

£34,434 to £35,412 (pay award pending)
Westmorland and Furness Council is looking for three experienced and motivated individuals Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Bridge Technician - WMF2257e

£34,434 - £35,412
We are currently seeking to recruit a Senior Bridge Technician to join our Bridges and Structures team. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Network Officer WMF2263e

£38,220 - £39,152
In this role, you will assist in leading the South Lakes Area Highways team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF2240e

£28,598 - £29,540
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a committed and technically capable individual to join our Traffic Management Team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Structures Inspector

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Structure Inspectors to join our dynamic SBIM team Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Site Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Site Manager Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Principal Commercial Manager

£Competitive
The SBIM contract involves delivering inspection and maintenance programmes for National Highways Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Commercial Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Senior Commercial Manager Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Managing QS

£Competitive
In this role, you will support the Senior Commercial team in the end to end commercial process for the Area 12 contract. Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Inspection Officer

£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Windsor, Berkshire
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW