From July new cameras will come online from to monitor and enforce the use of the bus gate on Wonford Road in Exeter.
It’s the first of eight sites across Devon which, over the coming months, will have new cameras put into place.
Since 2020 a restriction has been in place to allow priority on this route to buses and cycles, with a further exemption being introduced more recently for taxis.
Now CCTV cameras will enforce this and it follows new powers devolved to Devon County Council (DCC) from the Department of Transport.
DCC is one of a number of local authorities in England that has received the power to enforce Moving Traffic Offences (MTOs).
Previously enforcement could only be carried out by the police.
These powers allow us to improve road safety, support active travel and public transport by addressing issues caused by drivers that contravene the rules of the road. This includes driving through a no entry sign, making banned turns, entering a yellow box junction when the exit isn’t clear and driving on routes that are for buses and taxis only.
There are eight sites on Devon’s Highways, including Wonford Road, have been identified where enforcement should be conducted.
These 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
- One Way, Iron Bridge, Exeter
The cameras will all enforce areas where restrictions have been in place for some time.
During the first six months after each site comes online motorists caught contravening the rules at any one of the locations will be sent a warning letter for their first offence.
If they are caught again, they will receive a penalty charge notice (PCN). After the initial six months, all offenders will be subject to a PCN.
Funds generated from penalty charge notices 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.
The scheme follows a public consultation which was held from 14 August until 25 September 2023 and cabinet approval.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:
“These aren’t new restrictions; these cameras will help us enforce particular areas where existing restrictions are frequently ignored.
“For example, over five days we counted more than 1000 motorists using the Wonford Road bus gate despite the ‘No Entry except buses and cycles’ sign.
“Ignoring restrictions or signs could cause an accident but we accept that it will take people some time to get used to the cameras that’s why for the six months drivers will be warned rather than receive a ticket.”
Councillor Andy Ketchin, the local member for St David’s & Haven Banks, said:
“I think people will appreciate that these cameras are there to create a level playing field for motorists. The idea is to ensure fairness which is a principle I hope most people will get behind.”
