Cameras installed to catch drivers who ignore road rules

New roadside cameras designed to ensure drivers stick to the rules in parts of Bradford are due to come into force later this month.

The cameras will be installed at the junctions between Shipley Airedale Road and Leeds Road, and Godwin Street and Sunbridge Road, according to Bradford Council.

In those areas, drivers regularly ignored banned turns and yellow box junctions, leading to congestion and risking the safety of other, more vulnerable, road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, a council spokesperson said.

The cameras are due to become operational on 17 August, before a six-month warning period is introduced where drivers deemed at fault will be warned instead of fined, they said.

After six months, drivers could instead expect a fine of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days, the spokesperson said.

Plans to root out poor driving at these locations were first mooted last year.

Under new powers, the council can take action against drivers who fail to follow existing highway restrictions.

A "small minority" of drivers broke the rules and blocked junctions, disrupting the flow of traffic and increasing the risk of collisions, the council spokesperson said.

Automatic number plate recognition cameras would be installed at a number of locations to support compliance with current traffic rules, they added.

Cameras would only enforce restrictions already in place and would be clearly signed, meanwhile there were no plans to introduce new traffic restrictions as part of the programme, the council confirmed.

Councillor Andrew Judson, portfolio holder for economy, regeneration and planning, said the move was a "targeted" approach at locations where problems had persisted.

"Our aim is not to penalise drivers unnecessarily, but to improve compliance, reduce danger and make our roads safer and work better for everyone," he said.

Bradford Council has also sought people's views on installing cameras at additional locations, including the Vicar Lane/Bridge Street junction and the junction between Manchester Road and Croft Street.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.