Staffordshire County Council will be asked this week to make Stone High Street a priority for ANPR enforcement and set out a clear timetable for introducing it.
County Councillor Jill Hood, who represents Stone Urban, has tabled a motion for the full County Council meeting on Thursday 8 October.
The motion asks the council’s Cabinet to consider progressing the work needed to obtain moving traffic enforcement powers under the Traffic Management Act 2004, with Stone High Street included as a priority location.
It also calls for the county council to work with Stone Town Council over the £30,000 it has allocated towards an ANPR scheme, complete the necessary technical and legal work, and introduce stronger interim enforcement until cameras can be used.
A vote in favour of the motion would not itself approve or install ANPR cameras. It would ask Cabinet to consider progressing the scheme and provide a timetable for the steps required.
Vehicles continue to use High Street during restricted hours
Vehicles are prohibited from entering Stone High Street during restricted hours, but Councillor Hood says drivers continue to enter despite road signs and prominent No Entry markings.
Her motion says vehicles are using the High Street as a shortcut around Christchurch Way, to collect takeaways and to park close to shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants.
It also highlights the number of people using the pedestrian area, including children walking to and from local schools and the leisure centre, older and disabled residents, shoppers, market visitors and customers sitting outside businesses.
Previous police operations and other short term enforcement measures have raised awareness but have not delivered a lasting change in driver behaviour, according to the motion.
Councillor Hood argues that camera enforcement would allow the existing restriction to be enforced more consistently without requiring police officers or enforcement staff to remain on site.
The proposed system could identify vehicles entering during restricted hours and allow Penalty Charge Notices to be issued using photographic evidence, while maintaining legitimate access for deliveries and exempt vehicles.
£30,000 already allocated towards a scheme
Stone Town Council has allocated £30,000 towards ANPR enforcement on the High Street.
However, the Town Council cannot introduce civil moving traffic enforcement itself, meaning Staffordshire County Council would need to obtain the appropriate powers and be involved in any scheme.
Councillor Hood’s motion asks the county council to progress that work without unnecessary delay and include Stone High Street as a priority within its wider plans.
It also seeks technical, legal, equality and data protection assessments, along with a clear timetable for approval and installation.
Councillor Hood says in the motion:
“The question is no longer whether enforcement is needed, but how quickly the County Council will act to make Stone High Street safer.”
2 comments
Hilary Dillon
There used to be a barrier at the top of the High St during restricted times. Has that been removed now?
Dennis Ecclestone
In the high street is a cctv camera connected so use that to identify vehicles.