Drivers have been warned they could be slapped with hefty fines for common driving manoeuvres across a major region under tougher proposals.
West Northamptonshire Council has revealed plans to target certain poor driving habits plaguing the region and putting fellow road users and pedestrians at risk.
The council has invited road users to respond to plans to enforce traffic regulations at 13 locations across Northampton.
The proposed enforcement will specifically look at moving, tightening up traffic offences such as banned turns, entering yellow box junctions without a clear exit, driving the wrong way up one-way streets, and ignoring no-entry signs.
The council said that the rise in offences can increase the risk of accidents, create hazards for pedestrians and other road users, and cause delays for other motorists.
Under the plans, the council has proposed introducing Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras at several locations.
This includes cameras at the banned turns on Upton Valley Way East junction with Banbury Lane, Collingwood Road, junction with St Matthew’s Parade, as well as Abington Square, right turn onto Wellingborough Roadside, near Charles Bradlaugh statue.
Yellow box junction cameras will be put in place along St Peter’s Way, junction with Weston Wharf, Cliftonville Road, at the entrance to the hospital, as well as Harborough Road, two sites (Cock Hotel junction and junction with the A5095).
Under the tougher proposals, drivers can be fined for stopping in a yellow box junction
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GETTY/PAThe council also plans to include yellow box junction cameras at the Mere Way roundabout, junction with Towcester Road, Weedon Road, junction with Spencer Bridge and Road Mere Way opposite the fire station and at the Wootton Hall Park junction.
Drivers who stop inside a yellow box junction can be fined between £70 and £160 in the UK.
The proposals also suggest introducing cameras at no-entry/one-way streets along St Giles’ Square, between Wood Hill and Derngate, Abington Street, between Wellington Street and St Giles Terrace.
Drivers who ignore a “no entry” sign can typically result in a £100 fine and three penalty points on a driving licence.
The council has launched a consultation on adding ANPR cameras across 13 locations
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PACouncillor Richard Butler explained that keeping roads across Northampton safe and reducing congestion is “incredibly important”.
He said: “Moving traffic offences can lead to dangerous situations and unnecessary delays. By enforcing these rules, we aim to protect all road users and make travel across West Northamptonshire smoother and safer.”
Mr Butler detailed how the council will run a consultation until January 4, urging “everyone to share their views before final decisions are made”.
To help drivers adjust to the new measures, anyone caught breaching the rules during the first six months will receive a warning notice rather than a penalty charge notice.
Yellow box junction cameras have been proposed for St Peter’s Way
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The council added: “PCNs cover the costs of the service, such as enforcement, equipment, software systems, staff, supplies, and services.
“Any surplus is used to improve public transport, highway projects, and environmental improvements in accordance with Government regulations.”
Respondents to the consultation are reportedly being asked if they support the use of enforcement cameras in the proposed locations and, if not, why.
The council said it will review all feedback to the consultation and assess each location before introducing the enforcement measures.
