Cameras to enforce fines as drivers ignore rules

Road with a red sign indicating no right turnImage source, Google
Image caption,

Cameras will be used to enforce restrictions at site across Bradford - including the junction of Shipley Airedale Road and Leeds Road (pictured)

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Motorists who ignore the rules of the road at two city centre junctions in Bradford could be sent fines in the post, similar to those for speeding or driving in bus lanes.

Bradford Council has approved a pilot scheme which will see fines handed out to drivers who turn right onto Leeds Road from Shipley Airedale Road in a no right turn section, and those who stop in a box junction at Sunbridge Road/Godwin Street.

The council said it needed to introduce the measures as there was a link between drivers "making illegal and dangerous manoeuvres and the number of injuries on the network".

Enforcement of the two sites is expected to begin this year.

Camera enforcement will be added to a further seven sites next year, and a further four the year after.

After last year's city centre roadworks there is currently no box junction at Sunbridge Road/Godwin Street, but the council said it would be repainted.

'Unacceptable behaviour'

At a meeting of the council's executive earlier this month, councillors were told the cameras would improve safety on stretches of road plagued by danger drivers – but where they could not have a 24/7 police or warden presence.

Councillor Rebecca Poulsen, Conservative leader in Bradford, said: "Across the district we do have far too many people drive in a dangerous manner.

"We should let them know they'll be caught for their unacceptable behaviour."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a report said the council had received "significant volumes" of correspondence about drivers failing to observe signed restrictions.

"The number of issues raised far exceeds the capacity of the council to fund additional police resources to resource enhanced enforcement," the report said.

"With a strong correlation between drivers failing to observe signed restrictions and making illegal and dangerous manoeuvres and the number of injuries on the network – the opportunity to deploy measures to address this behaviour is essential."

The report said locations for camera enforcement were chosen based on which would offer the "greatest safety and network efficiency benefits".

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