New town centre camera to target banned turns

A new traffic enforcement camera is set to go live as part of wider efforts to tackle illegal manoeuvres at busy town centre junctions.

It will be installed at the junction of Horseshoe Street and Gold Street in Northampton and is designed to catch motorists making banned turns.

From 22 April, drivers who ignore signage and turn left from Horsemarket Street into Gold Street will face enforcement action.

A spokesperson for West Northamptonshire Council said: "The goal is to reduce the number of vehicles carrying out dangerous or illegal manoeuvres in areas with high footfall."

The new enforcement follows an earlier camera installation at the same location to prevent drivers turning left from Horseshoe Street on to Marefair, and right into Gold Street.

The initiative also builds on camera enforcement already in place on Gold Street to monitor bus lane use, which was introduced in January.

Drivers caught breaking the rules at either location will receive a warning for a first offence during the initial six-month period.

Repeat offenders, or those caught after this grace period, will be issued with a £70 penalty charge notice, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

The local authority said the move is part of a phased approach to improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers, while encouraging better driving habits across the area.

A further camera is due to be activated in the coming weeks at the top of Gold Street and Bridge Street, where vehicles are banned from entering the one-way section.

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