Hundreds of Exeter motorists caught as new enforcement cameras go live

Cameras to enforce traffic restrictions in Exeter are starting to go live, Devon County Council has confirmed.

During the first week of operation, the camera at Wonford Road detected more than 1,000 contraventions. Drivers caught during this period will receive warning notices, giving them a chance to avoid future penalty charges.

The new cameras are monitoring bus lanes and bus gates across the city, including Topsham Road, Fore Street in Heavitree, Cowick Street, and Wonford Road.

Restrictions in these areas have been in place for some time, but breaches are frequent.

READ NEXT: Major Exeter road to close for three weeks as upgrade work begins

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).”

Under the council’s new powers to enforce Moving Traffic Offences, all drivers who contravene the rules at these locations will initially receive a warning for a first offence. Repeat offenders will face penalty charge notices (PCNs), and after six months, all violations will be subject to PCNs.

The council confirmed that funds raised from fines will be ringfenced to maintain the enforcement cameras, with any surplus earmarked for highway improvements, public transport and other environmental projects.