Gloucestershire County Council is considering introducing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to enforce traffic restrictions.
According to the BBC, the council is not planning to introduce any new driving restrictions but wanted to improve the enforcement of existing measures in 16 locations around the city. ANPR cameras would allow it to consistently and effectively enforce penalties and improve general safety and traffic flow.
“Enforcing moving traffic offences will help reduce congestion, improve air quality and support reliable bus services,” said councillor Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for transport.
Some of the locations being considered for ANPR enforcement cameras are:
- London Road, Gloucester
- Bristol Road, Olympus Park and Merlin Drive intersection, Quedgeley
- Bruton Way junction with Market Parade, Gloucester
The council has already installed cameras to catch unauthorised vehicles using the city’s historic gated streets.
Mr Whyborn added:
“These measures are not about penalising drivers unnecessarily – they are about encouraging compliance with rules that keep traffic flowing and protect vulnerable road users.”
The council currently relies on the police to enforce traffic offences such as ignoring road signs, driving in cycle lanes, or stopping in yellow boxes.
However, it said new powers would allow it to use ANPR cameras to pursue penalties directly.
(Picture: Jenoptik)
