New traffic enforcement cameras have been activated in Birmingham city centre, targeting specific driving offences that have previously gone unchecked. Drivers breaching the regulations now face penalty charges of up to £70.
Since the cameras were switched on, hundreds of motorists have already been fined during the initial weeks of operation. The new measures are aimed primarily at curbing “dangerous” manoeuvres in the city centre, particularly focusing on the stretch of Great Charles Queensway.
On this route, certain turns are prohibited due to the potential risks they pose. However, some drivers have ignored these restrictions, either deliberately or possibly because they are unfamiliar with the local road layout or have missed signage indicating the rules. For instance, at a section of Newhall Street, vehicles are required to proceed straight on and are not allowed to turn left or right.
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The majority of infractions have been identified at the junction of Newhall Street and Great Charles Queensway, where 453 vehicles were caught committing offences in June and July alone. Penalty charge notices for such violations carry a fine of £70, which can be reduced to £35 if paid promptly.
Additionally, a smaller number of fines have been issued for making prohibited right turns into Priory Road from Bristol Road.
These enforcement actions form part of a broader series of road safety initiatives implemented by Birmingham City Council. Recently, speed limits on most busy roads were reduced to 30mph, accompanied by the introduction of additional speed cameras. The council also has plans to reduce speed limits to 20mph on most residential roads in the future.
Cllr Majid Mahmood, the former transport lead at the council, stated earlier this year: “These new powers will help to make our roads safer by reducing dangerous driving behaviours like making banned turns. It will also allow for more effective local control over traffic flow and safety.”