New enforcement cameras catch junction blockers

The council wants to ease congestion near St Margaret's bus station

Hundreds of drivers have been caught by new traffic cameras at two busy junctions in Leicester.

The devices have been installed to enforce restricted yellow box areas at the junctions of Abbey Street and Gravel Street, and Vaughan Way and Causeway Lane.

The cameras were activated on 27 May and 237 drivers have so far been caught stopping illegally.

First time offenders are currently being sent warning notices but £70 fines will be issued at the end of a six-month grace period.

The council said 195 warning notices have been incurred at the Vaughan Way junction so far, with 42 at Abbey Street.

The council said drivers straying into the boxes blocked the junctions, hindering traffic and delaying buses.

'Causing gridlock'

A Leicester City Council spokesperson described camera enforcement as an "effective way of deterring motorists from committing traffic offences".

The spokesperson added: “Under the new powers that came into effect last month, the council is now able to enforce traffic restrictions at two clearly marked box junctions at Abbey Street and Gravel Street, and the junction of Vaughan Way and Causeway Lane.

“Motorists who break the law by entering the boxes without being able to exit can easily block the junction, disrupting bus services, obstructing emergency vehicles and potentially causing gridlock.

“Camera enforcement means that anyone caught breaking the law will automatically be issued with a fine."

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