London Councils has approved plans to introduce automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to assist with the enforcement of the London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS).
Following a successful pilot programme, ANPR cameras will be introduced in London to support enforcement of the scheme, complementing the work of Enforcement Officers across the capital.
The LLCS is designed to manage the environmental impact of journeys made by heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in London by restricting access to residential roads at certain times. The scheme serves to minimise traffic and noise pollution in residential areas during unsociable hours to protect the wellbeing of Londoners. The scheme has been in place since 1985.
ANPR cameras will be deployed on specific routes where enforcement is required to support compliance with the LLCS. These locations have been selected based on traffic patterns, known issues with non-compliance, and operational priorities. ANPR cameras automatically detect and record the number plates of HGVs using specific roads during restricted hours. Any potential breaches of the scheme are then checked by LLCS officers before the information is processed.
This change will allow for a more consistent, efficient, and fair level of enforcement, as well as provide London Councils with a better understanding of nighttime movement of HGVs during restricted hours.
London Councils is providing warning notices to hauliers for each location where cameras will be installed to help them manage the transition. Warning notices will be given for a period of two weeks at each new camera location.
The income from penalty charge notices (PCNs) goes straight back into essential traffic and parking services, with any surplus reinvested into key transport initiatives like the Freedom Pass for older and disabled Londoners.
Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE, London Councils’ Executive Member for Transport and Environment, said:
“The introduction of ANPR cameras will help the London Lorry Control Scheme make use of modern technology, supporting the work of Enforcement Officers on our streets and increasing compliance with the scheme across London.
“This change will allow enforcement to be applied more consistently, efficiently, and fairly, as well as minimise overnight disruption to London’s communities, allowing Londoners to live in a cleaner, quieter city.”
The operational hours of the LLCS remain unchanged, and operators should continue to follow the Excluded Route Network (ERN) during these hours, unless they have obtained a permit to use restricted roads at these times.
(Picture: London Councils)
