Cameras to target rogue drivers

Yesterday York Council announced automatic number plate recognition cameras have begun operating on Coppergate in a bid to reduce congestion and free up the passage of buses and taxis through the city centre. The council is also introducing new controls which include extending the hours of access for authorised vehicles, although the times for loading and unloading will be reduced.

Traffic enforcement restrictions have been in place on Coppergate since the 1960s, but only enforced infrequently. An enforcement day in August last year, undertaken in partnership with North Yorkshire Police, saw more than 600 motorists ignore no access signs and drive down Coppergate during restricted hours.

Coun Dave Merrett, cabinet member for transport, planning and sustainability, said: “Millions of journeys are made every year on York’s bus services, with the heaviest passenger loadings of the day taking place during the peak commuting hours.

“Traffic restrictions have been in place on Coppergate since the 1960s, but only enforced infrequently, so by reducing both the volume of prohibited vehicles we will help buses, taxis and cyclists get through this extremely narrow road much more easily.

“This will improve public transport journey times and reliability and will address frequently-raised concerns about the punctuality of the buses in the mornings.”

Frank Wood, chair of the York Retail Forum, said: “This is a narrow road and an important bus route. It is also important to keep pedestrian areas clear and safe, to allow freedom of access for visitors. There are already regulations in force to restrict traffic and the method of enforcing these regulations needs to be effective and sustainable and I am happy to support the move towards ANPR cameras.”