A series of new cameras were installed with a grace period for the first six months
Motorists face a fine if they flout the rules around traffic in the city centre
More than 3,600 penalty charge notices were handed out to drivers across Liverpool last year from just five new cameras. As the city council consults on the possibility of installing another 15 traffic enforcement devices, new data has revealed the amount of driving offences recorded during 2024.
A series of automatic number plate recognition cameras (ANPR) were installed in a bid to clamp down on moving traffic offences. In 2023, Liverpool Council was granted new powers by the government to punish people who flout specific regulations like driving through no entry signs and zones dedicated for buses and taxis.
The new powers granted were previously solely available to London to enforce moving vehicle contraventions and had been the responsibility of the police. Since their installation, 3,682 penalty charge notices (PCNs) have been handed out at five locations that have traffic enforcement cameras.
A total of 26,000 traffic offences were detected last year with more than 2,500 speeding tickets issued. The city council is now launching a public consultation to introduce a further 15 traffic enforcement cameras.
Many of the locations for the proposed new cameras are around schools, where the potential for a serious incident is highest. The city already has six school streets at Mab Lane Primary School, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School, Greenbank Primary School, St Michael in the Hamlet Community Primary School, Rice Lane Primary School and St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School.
An ANPR camera on St Anne Street in Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)
The minimum penalty for speeding is a fixed penalty fine of £100 and three points on your licence. In some cases, if strict criteria are met, an educational course may be offered as an alternative.
Councillor Dan Barrington, cabinet member for transport and connectivity, said: “Speeding not only endangers the lives of drivers but also poses a significant threat to pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. It undermines the safety and well-being of our communities, creating an environment of fear and insecurity, particularly in residential areas and near schools.
“Speeding is an incredibly selfish action, which shows disregard for our communities. Together, by driving carefully and responsibly, we can make our roads safer for everyone.”
Stephen Whitehouse, Road Safety Co-ordinator at Liverpool Council, added: “It’s a proven fact that speeding dramatically increases the likelihood and severity of collisions. Higher speeds significantly reduce a driver’s reaction time, leading to more severe outcomes when incidents occur.
“Drivers are being reminded that speed limits are just that – a limit, not a target. There are many situations where an appropriate and safe speed will be lower than the stated limit.
“This includes areas near schools, the presence of other vulnerable road users, adverse weather conditions, poor road surfaces, or challenging road layouts.”
Members of the public can give their opinions about the introduction of the new enforcement cameras by going online at https://luke.liverpool.gov.uk/movingtrafficenforcementconsultation where there is a full list of the locations.