Cameras will be installed at 20 new sites across Oxfordshire to enforce existing traffic restrictions.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, approved the use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at locations including Oxford, Abingdon, Banbury, Bicester, Didcot and Witney.
The cameras will be used to enforce existing moving traffic violations, such as no entry or one way restrictions, bus gates, bus lanes and bans on making certain turns. Motorists caught breaking the rules face a £70 fine, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
Cllr Gant said: “Residents want us to tackle law breakers on our roads, and they are frustrated that a minority of drivers are getting away with dangerous or antisocial behaviour.
“This decision is not about bringing in more traffic restrictions, it is about finding a more effective way of enforcing measures that are already in place. These cameras will play key role in improving the efficiency and safety of journeys for all road users.”
In 2022, the government gave the council permission to use ANPR cameras to enforce traffic regulations to improve safety, ease congestion and reduce inconsiderate and dangerous driving.
The policy allows Oxfordshire County Council to manage specific problem areas through ANPR camera enforcement, similar to how bus gates operate.
The latest sites were selected using information provided by Thames Valley Police, plus traffic and congestion monitoring data. More locations around the county will be considered by the Council in the future.
