Birmingham City Council has issued at least 65 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) in just 10 days following the activation of new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras targeting illegal right-hand turns. The enforcement began on June 15, 2026, as part of the council's Moving Traffic Enforcement pilot, with all fines related to prohibited manoeuvres on three specific roads.
Data Revealed Through Freedom of Information Request
The figures were obtained by BirminghamLive through a Freedom of Information request. Between June 15 and June 25, 2026, the ANPR cameras captured 65 vehicles committing the banned right turn, resulting in live PCNs being issued to each driver. The council confirmed the exact number in its response, stating that 65 live PCNs had been issued by June 25.
How the Enforcement Works
The cameras are designed to automatically detect vehicles that break traffic rules by capturing licence plates. A council spokesperson explained: "Birmingham City Council commenced the enforcement of Moving Traffic Offences on the 15 June, 2026." The authority uses cameras to "enforce prohibited manoeuvres by capturing the licence plates of vehicles that break the rules."
Revenue Allocation and Future Plans
Revenue generated from the penalty charges is ring-fenced to cover the costs of the camera system and fund road improvements across the city. The council will use evidence from this pilot to inform future decisions about wider deployment of ANPR cameras for traffic enforcement across Birmingham.
Impact on Drivers
Drivers caught by the cameras face a penalty charge, which is typically £70 if paid within 14 days, rising to £130 if paid later. The council advises motorists to pay attention to road signs indicating banned turns to avoid fines. The pilot is expected to run for several months before any permanent expansion is considered.
