Rogue drivers crackdown delayed over cameras

A council crackdown on rogue drivers who do dangerous U-turns or travel down one-way streets has been delayed by nearly two years.

Lancashire County Council hoped to fine drivers with new powers to punish offenders by installing automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at four junctions.

The Department for Transport approved the "moving traffic" enforcement in early 2023 at four locations in Preston, Accrington and Lancaster.

A delay in acquiring the ANPR cameras means not a single fine has been handed out but the council said it hoped the scheme would start in early 2025.

The county council, which had hoped to introduce the cameras in the summer of 2023, had to indicate where it would initially install the ANPR devices to get the government approval.

Roads bosses selected four junctions which were hotspots for accidents and rule breaking.

The areas are:

• Ringway and Bow Lane junction Ringway in Preston
• The Charnley Street and St Wilfrid Street junction in Preston
• The Aldi junction in Morecambe Road in Lancaster
• The McDonald's junction in Hyndburn Road in Accrington

When the scheme is under way drivers will be fined £70, with a discount of £35 if the fee is paid within 21 days.

Councillor Rupert Swarbrick said: "The enforcement of the four initial locations was expected to start around the summer of 2023.

"However, the procurement process for the cameras took longer than anticipated."

He added: "We now plan to begin enforcement in early 2025 and signage will be clearly displayed to inform drivers."

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