Motorists across Devon are being reminded that cameras to enforce motoring restrictions at eight sites are starting to go live.

During the first week of operation, the camera at Wonford Road, Exeter has detected over 1000 contraventions. Each driver will now receive a warning notice to alert them so they can avoid incurring future penalty notices.

The cameras are enforcing a mix of restrictions, including bus gates and bus lanes, in two of Devon’s largest communities, Exeter and Barnstaple.

Devon County Council is one of a number of local authorities in England that now has the power to enforce Moving Traffic Offences – previously enforcement could only be carried out by the police.

These powers allow help to improve road safety, support active travel and public transport by addressing issues caused by drivers that contravene the rules of the road called Moving Traffic Offences.

The seven sites where cameras are being introduced are:

Bus Gate, Old Torrington Road, Sticklepath, Barnstaple
No Right Turn, The Square, Barnstaple
Bus Gate, Taw Vale, Barnstaple
Bus Gate, Wonford Road, Exeter
Bus Lane, Topsham Road, Exeter
Bus Lane, Fore Street Heavitree, Exeter
Bus Lane, Cowick Street, Exeter

The cameras are enforcing areas where restrictions have been in place for some time.

During the first six months after each camera comes online, motorists caught breaking the rules at any one of the locations will be sent a warning letter for their first offence.

If, however, they are caught again at the same location, they will receive a penalty charge notice (PCN). After the initial six months, all offenders will be subject to a PCN.

Funds generated from PCNs will be ringfenced to fund the enforcement cameras and any surplus is restricted for highway or road improvement projects, public transport provision and other environmental projects.

Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:

“These sites are particular problem areas where the rules of the road are broken hundreds of times a day, potentially putting other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists at risk.

“These aren’t new restrictions they have been in place for some time, but they are areas where restrictions are frequently ignored.

“We do appreciate that when changes are made it can take some time to get used to them, and that’s why for the for six months for a first offence the driver will receive a warning letter. If, however, they break the rules again they will receive a penalty charge notice (PCN).”