Drivers in Northampton could soon face stricter penalties for four specific traffic violations as part of a new enforcement initiative. West Northamptonshire Council is launching a public consultation on plans to use camera technology to crack down on moving traffic offences at 13 locations across the town.
Targeted Offences and Enforcement Plans
The proposed scheme aims to tackle manoeuvres that disrupt traffic flow and increase safety risks. The four key offences targeted are: making banned turns, entering yellow box junctions without a clear exit, driving the wrong way up one-way streets, and ignoring no-entry signs.
If approved, enforcement will be carried out using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, supported by clear warning signs. In a move to educate drivers first, the council plans an initial six-month grace period where a first offence would result in a warning notice instead of a financial penalty.
Council Aims for Safer, Smoother Roads
Cllr Richard Butler, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at West Northamptonshire Council, emphasised the rationale behind the proposal. "Keeping our roads safe and reducing congestion is incredibly important," he stated. "Moving traffic offences can lead to dangerous situations and unnecessary delays. By enforcing these rules, we aim to protect all road users and make travel across West Northamptonshire smoother and safer."
The council highlights that these offences not only heighten accident risk but also create hazards for pedestrians and cause frustrating delays for other motorists.
Public Consultation Now Open
The council is urging residents and road users to share their views on the plans. The consultation is not about the rules themselves, which are mostly already in place, but specifically on the use of enforcement cameras at the proposed sites.
The consultation period runs from Monday 24 November 2025 until midnight on Sunday 4 January 2026. All feedback will be reviewed after this date, with a plan developed for sites deemed feasible for enforcement.
Any surplus revenue generated from Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) after covering operational costs must, by government regulation, be reinvested into public transport, highway projects, or environmental improvements locally.
Interested parties can view the detailed plans for all 13 locations and complete the online survey via the West Northamptonshire Council website.
