Drivers have been warned of new moving traffic enforcement cameras coming into effect later this month, with motorists facing fines of up to £70 if they ignore existing road restrictions.
Bradford Council revealed the new cameras will go live on August 17 at two busy city centre junctions where drivers have repeatedly broken the rules, causing congestion and putting other road users at risk.
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The first camera has been installed at the Shipley Airedale Road and Leeds Road junction to enforce a no right turn restriction.
A second camera at Godwin Street and Sunbridge Road will monitor a yellow box junction to stop drivers blocking the road.
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Drivers caught breaking the rules could receive a £70 Penalty Charge Notice, although this can be reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
However, the council will introduce a six-month grace period before issuing fines. During this time, anyone caught committing a first offence will receive a warning letter instead of a penalty.
The council said the cameras are only being used at locations where drivers have continued to ignore traffic restrictions despite previous efforts to tackle the problem.
It stressed that the scheme does not introduce any new traffic rules, with the cameras being used to enforce existing restrictions that are clearly signposted.
The cameras use Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology, similar to systems already used to enforce bus lanes and speed limits in many parts of the country.
The council also said if drivers consistently follow the rules at a location for 12 months, the authority could remove the cameras altogether.
It has launched a public consultation on installing cameras at two more junctions, which runs until September 16.
The proposals cover Vicar Lane and Bridge Street, where drivers would be monitored for breaking an existing no right turn restriction, and Manchester Road and Croft Street, where cameras would enforce banned turns and prevent vehicles blocking the yellow box junction.
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Bradford Council said any future camera locations would also be subject to public consultation before they are approved.
Councillor Andrew Judson, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration and Planning, said: “Dangerous and inconsiderate driving causes congestion, puts pedestrians and cyclists at risk, and disrupts public transport.
“These measures are targeted, proportionate, and focused on locations where problems are well known.”
He explained that clear signage will be in place, with the aim of the scheme not to penalise drivers unnecessarily, “but to improve compliance, reduce danger, and make our roads safer and work better for everyone”.
Bradford Council was given the legal powers to enforce moving traffic offences in July 2023 under the Traffic Management Act.
The authority also said any money raised through Penalty Charge Notices cannot be used for general spending.
By law, the revenue must be reinvested into transport, road safety and related improvements across the district.
It also confirmed the enforcement cameras cannot be used for general CCTV surveillance.
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