Spy cameras set to fine drivers for making wrong turns at four key junctions in Coventry

[dutchman]

The council is to apply for new powers to enforce the rules



Coventry City Council is to apply for powers to use CCTV cameras to fine drivers who make wrong turns, wait in yellow box junctions, drive in cycle lanes or the wrong way down one way streets. Usually, only the police have the power to issues fines for such offences, but they find it difficult to enforce the rules due to higher priorities.

The council, which can already give fixed penalty notices for parking on double yellow lines and driving in bus lanes, now wants to take on the extra responsibility, claiming it will help cut congestion and make the roads safer. It is now set to apply for permission to enforce 'moving traffic offences' and use cameras with automatic number plate recognition to spot motorists breaking the rules.

And it has already identified four key junctions in Coventry which would be the first targeted if the powers are granted.

They include:

• The Walsgrave Road and Briton Road junction - banned right turn – both directions
  
• The Foleshill Road and Arbury Avenue junction - banned right turn – both directions
  
• The Stoney Stanton Road and Cambridge Street junction - banned right turn
  
• The Radford Road and Laurence Saunders Road junction - banned right turn

The Government allowed councils to apply for the powers to enforce moving traffic restrictions designated by signs and road markings from May this year.

Cllr Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member responsible for City Services at the local authority said: "We already have powers to address dangerous and illegal parking, but the application for moving traffic offences would help us address moving offences for banned turns, waiting in yellow boxed junctions and entering restricted areas when not permitted. It’s a way of improving road safety and would help ease congestion at some junctions."

Coventry City Council say the benefits of having the power to enforce moving traffic enforcement include:

• Improving pedestrian and cyclist safety
  
• Reducing congestion
  
• Improving journey times for public transport
  
• Improving safety around schools

Kerching!