Drivers could soon be slapped with motoring fines after one of the largest councils in the UK rolls out technology after a delay of almost 18 months.
Lancashire County Council's plan to crack down on dangerous drivers through automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras has been delayed since 2023.
The scheme, which aims to catch and fine motorists making illegal manoeuvres at four key junctions, was initially set to launch in the summer of 2023.
However, not a single fine has been issued due to delays in acquiring the necessary ANPR camera equipment.
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Drivers could soon be slapped with fines across Lancashire
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The council now expects the enforcement programme to begin in early 2025, following prolonged procurement issues for the ANPR technology.
The Department for Transport gave the green light for the "moving traffic" enforcement scheme in early 2023.
Lancashire County Council had to specify the initial locations for the ANPR cameras as part of securing Government approval.
The selected sites, spread across Preston, Accrington and Lancaster, were identified as hotspots for accidents and rule-breaking behaviour.
The cameras will target drivers who perform dangerous U-turns or travel down one-way streets in violation of traffic rules.
When operational, drivers caught breaking traffic rules at these junctions will face fines of £70.
Drivers will, however, be able to cut the cost of the penalty to £35 if they pay within 21 days of receiving the fine.
Councillor Rupert Swarbrick addressed the significant delay, stating: "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."
"We now plan to begin enforcement in early 2025 and signage will be clearly displayed to inform drivers," the BBC reported.
Data from Confused.com found that between May 2022 and March 2023, 14 councils applied for powers to issue penalty charge notices (PCNs) to drivers who break road rules in their area.
The new council powers allow councils to issue fines to motorists for "moving traffic offences" including driving in a bus lane, stopping in a yellow box junction, banned right or left turns, illegal U-turns, going the wrong way in a one-way street or ignoring a traffic regulation order.
The research also shows that almost three in 10 drivers say that traffic offences should be left to the police because of their knowledge and experience when dealing with drivers.
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ANPR cameras will be used across the county to crack down on drivers breaking road rules
PAAround half of drivers are worried that councils will use their new powers to raise funds rather than focusing on improving road safety.
The data found that 12 councils had been granted powers including Durham, Luton, Oxfordshire, Reading, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, Bedford, Bath and North East Somerset, Derby City, Buckinghamshire and Norfolk.
