Bradford Council has confirmed the next steps for improving safety and helping the flow of traffic at two busy junctions by introducing moving traffic enforcement cameras.

The first cameras will be installed in the city centre, targeting two junctions where drivers regularly ignore traffic rules such as banned turns and yellow box junctions. This behaviour contributes to congestion and creates safety risks for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Under new powers, the council can take action against drivers who fail to follow existing highway restrictions. Enforcement will focus on locations where there is clear evidence of dangerous or disruptive non-compliance. While most drivers follow traffic regulations, a small minority break the rules and block junctions which disrupts traffic flow and increases the risk of collisions. Cameras will be introduced at sites where repeated violations of traffic regulations occur and where other interventions have not been effective.

The Council says that moving traffic enforcement will operate in a similar way to existing bus lane and speed limit enforcement in the Bradford district. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be installed at a limited number of locations to support compliance with current traffic rules. Cameras will only enforce restrictions that are already in place and clearly signed. There are no plans to introduce new traffic restrictions as part of this programme.

At each location, a six-month warning period will apply once cameras become operational. During this time, first-time offenders will receive a warning notice rather than a fine. After the warning period, drivers who ignore restrictions may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. Enforcement sites will be monitored regularly, and where high levels of compliance are maintained for 12 months, cameras may be removed.

The first enforcement cameras have now been installed at the following junctions and will become operational on 17 August 2026:

• Shipley Airedale Road/Leeds Road – enforcing the existing no-right-turn restriction
• Godwin Street/Sunbridge Road – enforcing correct use of the existing yellow box junction

These locations were approved as part of the council’s application for enforcement powers and followed a public consultation process.

There are also plans to introduce cameras at additional locations. A public consultation is now live on proposals at the following junctions:

• Vicar Lane/Bridge Street Junction – enforcing the existing no-right-turn restriction.
• Manchester Road/Croft Street Junction – enforcing banned turns and prevent blocking of the box junction.

(Picture: Bradford Council)