New traffic enforcement set to start in Northampton

Motorists who flout the rules or are unaware of restrictions in place are encouraged to pay attention as traffic enforcement starts soon in a problem area of Northampton.

As widely publicised, enforcement has been introduced in a phased approach at various locations in West Northants and from 15 November, an enforcement camera at the Horse Market junction with Mare Fair will go live where vehicles are prohibited from turning left travelling out of Marefair, to improve pedestrian, cyclist and driver safety and encourage better driver behaviour.

The remainder of the enforcement cameras already reported in this location will be switched on in the very near future where other right and left turns are also not allowed.

During the first six months of enforcement measures going live, a warning notice will be issued for first offences by any vehicle, however anyone breaching the rules for a second time or first time from May next year, will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

New regulations came into effect in May 2022 through the Traffic Management Act (2004) and the Department for Transport (DfT) has changed legislation to enable local authorities to apply for powers to enforce against moving traffic contraventions.

The Government approved plans for West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to take on this responsibility, following a positive response to a public consultation around five proposed sites, four of which went live earlier this year.

Enforcement cameras are already in place at the below locations and during the month of October WNC issued a total of 1,513 PCNs and 80 warning notices.

• Hermitage Way, Wootton, Northampton
• Victoria Gardens junction with St John's Street
• Fishponds Road junction with Great Billing Way, Northampton
• Deanshanger Road, Old Stratford (still within warning notice period following the camera going live on 10 June).

Cllr Phil Larratt, WNC's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: "The introduction of this enforcement camera is intended to help the flow of traffic and act as a deterrent to those that do not follow the rules. Whilst we understand some have raised concerns, many are supportive of our efforts to improve road safety.

"We have worked closely with our partners including our Highways partner Kier, police and bus operators to make informed decisions on the need for enforcement cameras in this location and from next week drivers who do not follow the rule of no left turn will receive warning notices for their first offence or a PCN if they continue to ignore it.

"We are hopeful that this and the other cameras set to go live here in the near future, will reduce the risk of accidents."

Signage is now in place at Horsemarket Junction ahead of the enforcement camera going live on 15 November and we will keep residents updated on the further enforcement cameras going live.