New traffic enforcement cameras proposed for Guildford congestion hotspot

This week marks the start of a consultation on new powers to introduce traffic enforcement cameras on some of Surrey’s busiest roads to reduce congestion and improve safety.

As agreed by Cabinet at their meeting last week, Surrey County Council can now apply to the Department for Transport (DfT) for powers to introduce cameras to address offences such as making prohibited turns, driving through a ‘no entry’ area or stopping on a yellow box marking. These powers are currently used in London and are now offered to the rest of England to introduce.

The first locations identified for potential enforcement are at the Dennis Roundabout in Guildford, aimed at preventing stopping in the two yellow-box junctions and keeping the traffic flowing. When vehicles stop on the yellow box, they can block the junction for traffic moving from other directions which can increase congestion and associated vehicle emissions. Motorists would be filmed by CCTV and sent a penalty charge notice if traffic restrictions are contravened, however for the first six months after installation they will only receive a warning letter for a first offence to help drivers get used to the changes.

A six-week consultation is running until 13 May 2022 to seek views about the use of traffic enforcement cameras at the Dennis Roundabout yellow box locations.  The consultation survey along with more information is available here: Traffic camera enforcement consultation – Dennis Roundabout, Guildford – Surrey County Council – Citizen Space (surreysays.co.uk)

Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, Matt Furniss said, “We’re investing £200m in our highways to keep Surrey’s roads moving, reduce congestion and to keep our road users safe.

“Moving traffic enforcement powers can help us to achieve this by deterring drivers from committing offences which can create potential dangers for both pedestrians and other road users, as well as causing congestion and interrupting traffic flow.

“We’ll be consulting with local residents and highway users about all potential locations before any cameras are installed. Please do get involved by submitting your feedback on this first proposal of its kind for Surrey.”

-ENDS-