Bad drivers to face fines in new council scheme

The automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology will process information and fines of up to £70 can be issued

Bad drivers in Kent face fines under a new scheme to be adopted by Kent County Council.

Motorists who ignore no entry signs, drive along bus lanes, block ‘yellow boxes’ or drive where vehicles are not permitted could be captured by a set of new cameras.

The automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology will then process information and fines of up to £70 can be issued.

Councillors broadly welcomed the scheme, due to start in the spring, and were reassured the authority cannot use it as a way of generating cash.

Sean Holden, chairman of the environment and transport cabinet committee, said it had the potential to change motorists' behaviour.

Cameras will be placed where contraventions happen regularly, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

One route already identified is the Fastrack bus route in Dartford.

Drivers will be excused a single offence within the first six months of the scheme’s implementation but fined thereafter and fines will be reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.