Council to tackle drivers making illegal moves

Enforcement cameras could be used across 13 locations in Northampton

Drivers could be fined for carrying out illegal traffic manoeuvres, a council has said.

West Northamptonshire Council said it plans to crackdown on motorists in Northampton who enter yellow box junctions without a clear exit, drive the wrong way up one-way streets, ignore no-entry signs and drive into pedestrianised zones near schools.

The Reform UK-led council said using enforcement cameras would keep the roads safe and reduce congestion.

The authority said it has started a consultation on the plans which will run until 4 January 2026.

The authority said Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras would be used at 13 locations to tackle different offences.

Drivers are banned from turning on:

• Upton Valley Way East junction with Banbury Lane

• Collingwood Road, junction with St Matthew's Parade

• Abington Square, right turn onto Wellingborough Road side, near Charles Bradlaugh statue

Drivers are prohibited from entering yellow box junctions without a clear exit on:

• St Peter's Way, junction with Weston Wharf

• Cliftonville Road, at the entrance to the hospital

• Harborough Road, two sites (Cock Hotel junction and junction with the A5095)

• Mere Way roundabout, junction with Towcester Road

• Weedon Road, junction with Spencer Bridge Road

• Mere Way, opposite the fire station and at the Wootton Hall Park junction

Drivers are banned from entering a school street pedestrianised zone on:

• Ellis Way, on approach to Bridgewater Primary School

Drivers are not permitted to drive down streets with signs indicating no entry and one-way streets on:

• St Giles' Square, between Wood Hill and Derngate

• Abington Street, between Wellington Street and St Giles Terrace

Protect road users

Drivers committing a first offence will receive a warning and will be fined for any subsequent offences, the authority said.

The money raised will cover the costs of equipment, software systems, staff, supplies and services, it added.

"These offences can increase the risk of accidents, and create hazards for pedestrians and other road users, and cause delays for other motorists," the authority said.

Richard Butler, a Reform UK councillor and cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Moving traffic offences can lead to dangerous situations and unnecessary delays.

"By enforcing these rules, we aim to protect all road users and make travel across West Northamptonshire smoother and safer."