New camera cannot be used to catch corner takers

The traffic camera was installed near the Norwich City football stadium earlier this year

A camera installed especially to catch drivers taking illegal turns cannot be used because a council did not realise a legal document was more than 40 years out of date.

The unit was put up to catch drivers turning right from Carrow Road on to King Street, in Norwich, which has been banned.

But Norfolk County Council found that a traffic regulation order (TRO) – put in place in the early 1980s - had long-since expired.

That means that making the manoeuvre has actually been legal for decades, and the authority has now proposed a permanent order to be put in place.

When it was introduced in 1982, the order banned drivers from making the turn at peak times of day – from 07:30 to 09:30 and 16:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday.

The junction is close to the Norwich City football stadium.

Drivers have been told they should not make the turn during peak times of the day since the 1980s

In February, the council installed the camera so it could take action against those who ignored the apparent rules.

It has been in operation since then and - while no penalty charge notices have been issued to motorists - the council said it had sent out 1,067 warning letters "to highlight to drivers that they had not complied with the relevant road signs".

However, it said that when it carried out a review, it found the original order was only temporary and had expired.

The council is seeking comments on plans for a new permanent order, but it means the camera cannot be used to fine drivers in the meantime.

"The planned enforcement at this location has been paused while the new TRO is now being considered," a spokesman said.

"If the TRO is implemented, we will begin a six-month warning period before issuing penalty charge notices."