New legal powers will enable Hertfordshire County Council to issue penalty charge notices to motorists who ignore Highway restrictions.
The Department for Transport announced in June 2021 that councils would be able to apply for the legal powers to enforce moving traffic contraventions by camera, such as ignoring no entry and one-way restrictions, and waiting in yellow box junctions.
The county council is now in the process of applying for these powers, which will be applied through the use of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
A requirement of the application is for consultation to happen prior to the introduction of camera enforcement. This is intended to take place in relation to two junctions in Bishop’s Stortford at Adderley Road junction with The Causeway and the car park exit on Adderley Road. The council will also be working on designs and drafting consultations for a width restriction to be replaced by a camera enforced weight restriction at Woodmere Avenue in Watford, as well as the replacement of a rising bollard at Albatross Way in Hatfield. All three sites could be operational by the end of 2023.
Until recently, in England only local authorities in London could issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for these types of traffic offences. Gaining these additional legal powers will enable the county council to target difficult areas and support the police in their efforts to reduce traffic offences.
Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at Hertfordshire County Council said: “These new powers should allow residents to use a road network which is safer and less congested. The initial locations are ones where motorists currently ignore road signage or where large vehicles travel down residential streets.
“Vehicles blocking box junctions can cause congestion and frustration, and we want to hear what local people think about introducing camera enforcement to help the traffic flow more smoothly.
“To deliver sustainable and responsible growth in our county, we need to ensure we maintain an infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing communities.”
