Thousands of motorists have been captured flouting key traffic restrictions within just the first week of new enforcement cameras going live across Devon. The swift crackdown has highlighted significant issues with drivers ignoring established rules of the road.
Exeter Camera Detects Over 1000 Contraventions
The most striking figures come from a single location on Wonford Road in Exeter, where the newly installed camera identified over 1000 contraventions in seven days. Each driver caught will initially receive a warning notice, aimed at educating them and helping them avoid future penalties.
The cameras are active in two of Devon's largest communities, Exeter and Barnstaple. They are enforcing a mixture of restrictions, including bus gates and dedicated bus lanes. These measures are not newly introduced; rather, they are long-standing rules that have been frequently disregarded by drivers.
New Powers for Local Authorities to Improve Safety
Devon County Council is now among the local authorities in England with the power to enforce Moving Traffic Offences. Previously, this enforcement could only be carried out by police forces. These new powers are intended to enhance road safety, support active travel like walking and cycling, and bolster public transport by tackling the problems caused by drivers who break these specific rules.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, explained the rationale. “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,” he said.
Warning Period Before Fines Begin
The council has instituted a six-month warning period for each camera as it becomes operational. During this time, a motorist caught breaking the rules at any of the enforced locations will be sent a warning letter for their first offence. However, if they are caught again at the same spot, they will immediately receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
“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,” stated Councillor Thomas. After this initial grace period, all offenders will be subject to a PCN without exception.
This proactive approach aims to change driver behaviour through awareness before applying financial penalties, with the ultimate goal of creating safer roads for all users in Devon's busy communities.
