NEW cameras could be installed to shop motorists breaking an overnight motor vehicle ban in part of Bournemouth town centre.
Plans have been announced to introduce civil enforcement powers for traffic contraventions in roads around Horseshoe Common.
BCP Council has launched the consultation ahead of submitting an application to the transport secretary.
If approved, the local authority would be able to issue penalty charge notices for vehicles failing to comply with traffic regulation orders.
Initially, the council wants to use these powers for the existing restriction in sections of Dean Park Crescent, Fir Vale Road, Hinton Road, Lorne Park Road, Madeira Road, Old Christchurch Road and St Peter’s Road around or near the open space.
The traffic regulation order states that motor vehicles are prohibited from these roads between 10pm and 5am every night of the week. This is in place due to pedestrian footfall associated with the night-time economy.
The council says non-compliance has been an issue for some time.
Government approval would allow BCP Council to enforce breaches of the restriction and they plan to monitor the situation by using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. Six possible camera locations have been identified.
- Read more: Fixed cameras to catch Boscombe cycle lane parking ruled out
Councillor Mike Greene, portfolio holder for sustainability and transport, said: “This is a positive opportunity for us to take stronger action against drivers who are accessing this area in Bournemouth town centre during the restricted hours of 10pm to 5am.
“We’ve heard the concerns of businesses, including the taxi community, who regularly see drivers unlawfully accessing this area.
"This is now the opportunity for the community to have their say on proposed enforcement, along with any further suggestions or ideas.”
The council’s consultation on the proposal is now live, with residents, organisations and businesses able to submit comments up to January 27.
If BCP Council’s application is successful, enforcement could commence in 2023.
At this point, enforcement would only be for the order near Horseshoe Common. However, going forward, the council would then be able to consider additional enforcement locations, subject to further consultation.
For more information visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/movingtrafficcontraventions
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel