Thousands of drivers caught breaking major traffic rules in first week of operation - 'Broken hundreds of times'

The enforcement technology forms part of a broader initiative across Devon, where eight locations in Exeter and Barnstaple now feature cameras monitoring bus lanes and bus gates.

Devon County Council activated the cameras in October after receiving authorisation to enforce moving traffic offences, powers that were previously held exclusively by police forces.

The warning notices aimed to help motorists avoid future penalties by making them aware of the restrictions at these locations.

The enforcement programme encompasses seven specific locations across the two Devon towns, including three bus gates and four bus lanes where existing restrictions have been routinely disregarded.

In Barnstaple, cameras monitor the bus gate at Old Torrington Road in Sticklepath, a no-right-turn restriction at The Square, and another bus gate at Taw Vale.

Exeter's enforcement sites comprise the Wonford Road bus gate, plus bus lanes along Topsham Road, Fore Street in Heavitree, and Cowick Street.

These locations were selected as particular problem spots where traffic regulations face frequent violations throughout the day, potentially endangering other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

The restrictions themselves are not new measures but have been established for a considerable time, though compliance has remained persistently poor, according to council officials.

Motorists who breach the restrictions face a graduated enforcement approach during the initial half-year period following each camera's activation.

First-time offenders at any location will receive only a warning letter rather than a financial penalty during this introductory phase.

However, drivers caught violating the same restriction again after receiving their warning will face a £70 penalty charge notice, even within the six-month grace period.

Once the introductory period expires at each site, all contraventions will result in immediate penalty charge notices without prior warnings.

Revenue generated from the fines must be allocated specifically to funding the camera enforcement system, with any remaining funds restricted to highway improvements, public transport provision, and environmental projects.

The penalty charge notice system includes an appeals process for motorists who believe they have been unfairly penalised.

The council secured these enforcement capabilities in December 2024, following approval from the Department for Transport to implement powers under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

The council's Cabinet committee had initially approved an application for these powers in November 2022, identifying potential enforcement sites based on existing CCTV infrastructure.

However, technical assessments revealed that current CCTV systems were unsuitable for enforcement purposes, necessitating the installation of dedicated Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras.

The new powers permit councils to enforce various moving traffic contraventions, including prohibited turns, box junction violations, and unauthorised use of bus lanes, which previously fell solely under police jurisdiction outside London.

Councillor Dan Thomas 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.

"We do appreciate that when changes are made, it can take some time to get used to them, and that's why for the first six months for a first offence the driver will receive a warning letter."

He added that subsequent violations at the same location would result in penalty charge notices, reinforcing the council's commitment to improving road safety and supporting public transport operations.