New Traffic Enforcement Camera Activated in Northampton Town Centre

Northampton motorists have been informed about the activation of a new enforcement camera designed to monitor a no-turning zone. This device has been installed at the Horse Market junction with Mare Fair, situated in the town centre. West Northamptonshire Council announced that additional cameras are scheduled to be operational in the area “in the near future” with the aim to “reduce the risk of accidents”. A six-month grace period will be in effect for the new device, during which a warning notice will be issued for initial offences committed by any vehicle. The council clarified that the camera will operate where vehicles are prohibited from turning left when exiting Mare Fair. It stated that the camera is intended to enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, and to encourage improved driver behaviour. Any individual detected by the camera for a second time, or for a first time starting from May, will face a £70 fixed penalty. This amount is reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. The council reported that its four existing enforcement cameras—three in Northampton and one in Old Stratford—issued 1,513 penalties and 80 warning notices during October. Phil Larratt, the council’s Conservative cabinet member for highways and transport, commented: “Whilst we understand some have raised concerns, many are supportive of our efforts to improve road safety.” He added, “We are hopeful that this and the other cameras set to go live here in the near future will reduce the risk of accidents.”