Spy cameras to catch bad driving in Southampton
The city council says the ANPR cameras would reduce congestion and improve safety
Last updated 6th Oct 2022
Southampton City Council is planning on installing spy cameras to catch drivers breaking the law.
The council says the automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras would help to enforce measures to reduce congestion and increase safety on the roads, for example at school streets and other areas where motor vehicle access is restricted.
It wants to hear what residents think about the idea – and has listed where the cameras could be sited.
The ANPR technology will help to identify road users who ignore restrictions such as:
- Driving through a ‘No Entry’ sign
- Turning left or right when there is ‘no left turn’
- Driving where and when motor vehicles are prohibited
- Driving on routes that are for buses and taxis only
At present, outside London, only the police have the power to enforce these restrictions, but new legislation allows highway authorities and councils to undertake enforcement through the use of ANPR technology.
Councillor Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for transport and district regeneration said: “We hope that by using ANPR cameras we will quickly change drivers’ behaviour and improve the safety and flow of traffic for everyone.
“The new legislation gives us more power to target people who are contravening traffic regulations.
“The scheme will be fully evaluated to ensure it has a positive impact on reducing moving traffic contraventions.
“The ANPR will also support our successful School Streets programme which creates a safer and more pleasant journey on the school run.”
These are the sites which have been selected for the first phase of the ANPR scheme:
School streets:
- Bellemoor Road, between St James Road and Wilton Road
- Brownlow Avenue, between Peartree Avenue and Redlands Drive
- Cutbush Lane, from its junction with Meggeson Avenue (including Coachman’s Copse and Camelia Gardens)
- Dimond Road, between the junction with Ashtree Road and Newton Road
- English Road, between the junctions with Imperial Avenue and Foundry Lane
- Fairisle Road, from the junction with Starboard Way
- Kesteven Way, from the junction with Rutland Way, including Aberdour Close
- Mansion Road, between Queenstown Road and Waterloo Road
- Octavia Road, between Mansbridge Road and Robert Cecil Avenue
- Porlock Road, between Cromer Road and Canford Close
- Richville Road, between Oakley Road and 41 Richville Road
- River View Road, from the junction with Manor Farm Road
- St Monica Road, from its junction with South East Road to Bay Road, including Maxwell Road
- Stafford Road, between Howard Road and Western District Cut
- Valentine Avenue, between Botley Road and Elgar Road
- Victor Street, between Anglesea Road and Crown Street
- Warren Crescent, between Holland Place and 114A Warren Crescent
- Western District Cut, at Stafford Road
- Wilton Road, between Bellemoor Road and Winchester Road
- Yeovil Chase, from its junction with Selborne Avenue and Taunton Drive
Other congestion and safety schemes:
- Above Bar Street between Pound Tree Road and New Road – Pedestrian and Cycle Zone
- Pound Tree Road between Above Bar Street and Sussex Road – Pedestrian and Cycle Zone
- St Mary’s Road junction with Brintons Road (St Marys Fire Station) – No stopping on entrance markings
- Test Lane junction with access road to Industrial Estate, 200m north of Gover Road – No right turn for vehicular traffic into the access road, and no left turn for vehicular traffic from the access road
- Winchester Street between Salisbury Street and Carlton Place and Salisbury Street between Winchester Street and 22m south of Vernon Walk footpath – Pedestrian and Cycle Zone
- Winchester Street between Salisbury Street and Carlton Place Pedestrian and Cycle Zone
People have until Monday, October 24 to have their say by filling out a survey.