New ANPR cameras to enforce traffic measures

New number plate recognition cameras are set to be installed in 20 locations around Oxfordshire to enforce traffic measures.

Witney High Street and Market Square are among several places approved for the devices by the county council.

The authority said it hoped they would help improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

It added no date had yet been confirmed for their installation.

The plans were decided at a delegated decisions meeting for Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for transport management, Andrew Gant, on Thursday.

Witney Town Council submitted a written comment supporting the plans, saying the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras would "significantly enhance the safety and security of pedestrians, cyclist and road users".

Witney High Street and Market Square were first closed to vehicles in 2020, but a permanent ban was put in place in 2021 to promote active travel and increase footfall.

Vehicles which would be exempt from any punishments include taxis and private hire vehicles, blue badge holders and shop deliveries.

Speaking before the decision, Conservative councillor Liam Walker, shadow cabinet member for transport management at the county council, said: "This is yet another anti-motorist policy from the Liberal Democrats that disregards the needs of our community.

"Not only does it ignore the overwhelming local opposition to these measures, but it also risks harming Witney's businesses that rely on deliveries and customer access."

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council previously said: "The locations... have existing traffic restrictions and were chosen based on information from emergency services, local feedback, and traffic and congestion monitoring."

In Oxford, ANPR cameras are to be added in St Clement's, North Way, Rectory Road, and Barracks Lane.

Other sites include Sheep Street in Bicester, Rother Road in Banbury and Bath Street and Stratton Way in Abingdon.

Motorists who ignore any restrictions face a fine of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

Money earned from the cameras would go toward their running costs, paying contractors, installing ticket machines and maintaining park and ride sites, the council said.

Any surplus cash would go towards transport-related improvements, it added.

There's a full list of the camera locations here.

You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.