Fines for traffic rule breakers
Borough: Number plate cameras installed as deterrent
Drivers who ignore the rules at 10 troublespots across the borough will be targeted by new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras introduced by the council.
In the coming weeks, the council will be using the cameras, initially in 10 problem locations to tackle illegal and dangerous driving.
This includes turning up one-way streets, exceeding weight limits at locations such as Cookham Bridge, ignoring no entry signs and driving in pedestrian zones.
While the police force will continue to have powers, traffic police are unable to be at all of the problem locations all the time, and it is hoped that the cameras will be a deterrent, aiding in improving road safety and cutting congestion.
These measures follow on from a public consultation last year in which respondents supported the use of targeted camera enforcement for moving traffic contraventions in the borough to support the police in combatting dangerous driving.
The cameras will be installed in the coming weeks on existing lampposts or new posts in problem areas where monitoring and public feedback show that restrictions are breached the most.
New warning signs will be installed and the current signs and road markings will be refreshed as required.
For the first six months, motorists who break the rules will be sent a warning letter for each first-time infringement of their vehicle at each location.
Any breach thereafter during this period will lead to a penalty charge notice.
Following the first six months, warning letters will end and all breaches will result in a penalty charge notice. The initial 10 problem locations where targeted camera enforcement will be used are outlined below with the type of contravention in place at the location:
■ Eton Bridge in Windsor – no motor vehicles
■ The junction of King Street and Nicholsons Lane in Maidenhead – pedestrian zone
■ Grenfell Road in Maidenhead – left turn only
■ Outside Wraysbury
School – vehicle traffic prohibited during specified school drop off and pick up times
■ Cookham Bridge (where the camera will be installed only once essential maintenance work has finished) – 7.5 tonne weight limit
■ William Street in Windsor – no entry except access
■ Mounts Hill in Winkfield – no right turn
■ Chobham Road in Ascot – 7.5 tonne weight limit
■ Oxford Road East in Windsor – no entry except access
■ Altwood Road – vehicle traffic prohibited during specified school drop off and pick up times.
The installation of the cameras will be finished in January and February and enforcement will begin soon after.
Fines will be re-invested to maintain the cameras and improve road safety and efficiency.
The cameras will detect number plates, but each image will be reviewed by a real person, meaning that scooter riders and motorcyclists will not be fined if they have dismounted, and are, for example, clearly pushing their bike through a pedestrian zone.
Councillor Geoff Hill, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Most motorists always drive responsibly.
“However we’ve all seen those who flagrantly ignore the restriction signs, putting the safety of other road users at risk, and we’ve got some problem locations where rules are commonly broken.
“These measures allow us to work further in partnership with the police to improve road safety and tackle congestion for the benefit of communities affected most by illegal and dangerous driving.
“Hopefully, cameras and warning signs will act as a deterrent to help reduce the risk of breaches happening in the first place, and we can then move cameras onto other sites with issues.
“The presence of cameras does not create any new restrictions, only helps with enforcement of current rules.
“We’re taking a proportionate approach, by targeting those trouble spots where consistent enforcement will have greatest benefit, and by giving reasonable notice and ‘one warning per vehicle, per location’ as well. Any revenue surplus from fines will be spent on improving safety for all road users.”