As previously reported, Hampshire County Council (HCC) installed automatic numberplate recognition (ANPR) cameras at two locations in Basingstoke where driving restrictions are “frequently ignored”.
The Basingstoke locations in Alencon Link and Norn Hill are two of nine across Hampshire which have now been installed and are operational.
READ MORE: Enforcement cameras for Basingstoke go live council confirms
(Image: Newsquest) They were installed to stop drivers using the bus gate which is a pedestrian zone except for buses and taxis.
A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “Although it is still too early to be able to comment on long term trends, we can confirm that we are seeing driver behaviour changing as people take account of the enforcement cameras, with fewer people driving in the prohibited area.”
They added: “We will continue to monitor the impact of the cameras to ensure the positive trend we are seeing continues.”
Cameras have also been installed at the other locations including in Winchester, Eastleigh, Farnborough, Fareham and Romsey.
Drivers who breach the restrictions will receive a penalty charge notice of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
Cllr Nick Adams-King, the county council’s cabinet lead for universal services including highways, previously said the new enforcement measures are being installed at locations where restrictions are “frequently ignored”.
He added: “The aim is to make these locations safer for all road users and to reduce congestion, with an exception that driver compliance will improve over time.”
This was made possible after the government granted new powers, previously held only by the police, to enable local authorities to undertake civil enforcement of traffic restrictions with a fine.