New cameras focus on Oxford bus lanes from 15 June
People using public transport in Oxford will soon benefit from a new enforcement camera system installed by Oxfordshire County Council.
From 15 June a set of new automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras from Videalert will be switched on at key existing “bus gate” locations, where general motor traffic is not allowed, on Oxford’s road network.
The new automatic cameras have been installed at bus gates in the city where camera enforcement is currently done using a manual camera system. There will also be enforcement at three new locations.
The move to the new camera system was announced in October 2019 and the go-live date of 15th June has been identified to support the increase in cyclists expected as more people are able to move around, as well as protect bus journeys for those who need to use public transport.
New camera locations
The new locations for camera enforcement are Folly Bridge, Abingdon Road and Barton Park. Existing bus gates already enforced which will get new cameras, are High Street, George Street, Castle Street and Magdalen Street.
Signs have been in place for many years to warn motorists about the existing bus gates and, for a period, the new sites will have additional signage to draw attention to the new enforcement.
Sustainable transport for a sustainable future
County Councillor Liam Walker, Cabinet member for highway operation and delivery, said: “ANPR is more efficient and allows more flexibility to look at potential contraventions after the event.
“The new cameras have been planned for some time and I am pleased that they will be switched on shortly. As we start to see lockdown being freed up we want to see more people switching to sustainable transport – cycling, walking and public transport are all preferable to driving for so many people.
“The county council is working hard to ensure that Oxfordshire’s transport system is ready to meet the demands of more people starting to get out and about, and the new cameras will play a small part in that.
“They have been used for many years in the centre of Oxford to make sure that car-free roads stay that way for the benefit of sustainable transport.
“And as the technology has developed and need for more enforcement come about we are meeting the challenge.”