Issue details

20/00118 - Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Enforcement of Bus Gates

 

 

Proposed Decision :

 

As Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport I agree to:

 

(i)            the use of ANPR enforcement of bus priority measures for Kent Thameside and Dover Fastrack services;  and

 

(ii)          to support the wider use of ANPR enforcement of bus priority measures county wide, allowing officers to approve enforcement of new schemes.

 

Background:

 

The Transport Act 2000, with the introduction of new statutory instruments in 2005, allows the enforcement of bus infrastructure through camera technology by approved Local Authorities outside the Greater London area. The primary objective of a camera enforcement system is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the network by deterring motorists from contravening restrictions, which may or may not require traffic regulation orders, and detecting those who do.  This is not a profit-making exercise but a way of improving sustainable travel.  Any surplus money should be reinvested to make improvements to roads and transport in the County. 

 

Options:

 

The preferred model for enforcement involves Borough and District Councils carrying out the back-office function of issuing penalty charge notices (PCN’s) and taking the necessary payment.  The Borough and District Councils will keep enough of the fines received to cover their costs, with any surplus being passed to KCC for reinvestment into the bus service.  The fines will be in line with the National standards for contravening bus priority measures.

 

 How the proposed decision meets the objectives of ‘Increasing Opportunities, Improving Outcomes: Kent County Council’s Strategic Statement (2015-2020)’:

 

The ANPR scheme particularly supports Strategic Outcome 2 “Kent communities feel the benefits of economic growth by being in work, healthy and enjoying a good quality of life”.  The ANPR scheme aims to reduce congestion, by providing more reliable Fastrack journey times and improved public transport links and accessibility. This in turn will support Kent business and housing growth and encourage economic activity to benefit the local and wider communities.

 

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Affects more than two Electoral Divisions;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Notice of proposed decision first published: 15/12/2020

Decision due: Not before 13th Jan 2021 by Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Reason: In order that the proposed decision can be published for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements

Lead member: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

Lead director: Simon Jones

Department: Growth, Environment & Transport

Contact: Clare Ellen - 03000 413614.

Consultees

Has any public consultation been undertaken or is any planned?:

 

The Dover Fastrack scheme consultation references the use of ANPR cameras to manage the bus, cycle and pedestrian only sections of the route.  https://www.dover.gov.uk/Consultation/Dover-Fastrack.aspx

 

The Bean Road tunnel planning application referred to ANPR enforcement for the bus way through the tunnel.  The Gravesend Bus Hub planning application made reference to ANPR control of the Clive Road bus gate.

 

Future schemes can be consulted on via the planning process.

 

Cabinet Committee consultation planned: 

 

A paper will be presented to Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee in January 2021.

 

Have views been sought from local Members?:

 

Fastrack ANPR has been discussed at Dartford and Gravesham JTB.  Fastrack ANPR was also detailed within the Dover scheme consultation pack.

Financial implications: There are no significant financial implications to KCC for the Dover and Kent Thameside Fastrack services. Future ANPR schemes may have a cost implication to KCC dependent on the scheme and the District / Borough Councils involved and their ability to procure the necessary equipment.

Legal implications: Local agency agreements will be needed between KCC and the local District / Borough Councils to manage the back-office system.

Equalities implications: An EqIA will be submitted with the decision report.

Decisions

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