Dozens of drivers warned after new camera installed

Enforcement is to start on drivers stopping at the yellow box junction between Ascot Drive and Osmaston Road. Image by Google Maps.

Dozens of motorists have been warned just weeks after a new camera was installed at a busy Derby junction.

Derby City Council has begun a crackdown on drivers stopping on the yellow box junction at the junction with Osmaston Road and Ascot Drive.

A new camera was put up to monitor driving behaviour at the busy junction, close to Spider Island.

Leading city councillor Sarah Chambers said there had been situations where congestion and vehicles blocking the junction “delayed fire engines and police responding to emergencies, where every second and minute can make a critical difference”.

The Sinfin and Osmaston councillor added: “This severely impacts traffic flow and can cause significant delays. More importantly, keeping this junction clear could save a life.”

The camera began operating on September 21st, but the Labour-led authority said it would be warning offending motorists for the first six months before issuing any fines.

Now it has been revealed that 70 warning letters were issued to drivers in the first few weeks of enforcement.

Council chiefs have described the figure as “encouraging low”, given the junction is deemed to be a traffic hotspot most times of the day.

After the six months, anyone caught stopping or waiting within the yellow markings will be at risk of receiving a £70 fine. The fine could be reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

The council said it redesigned and repainted the yellow box before enforcement started “to make it fairer for motorists”.

A spokesperson for Derby City Council said: “Up to the week commencing October 19, we have issued 70 warning notices and no fines.

“For the first six months of the scheme, any vehicle seen entering the junction will, on the first occasion, be issued with a warning rather than a fine, giving drivers the opportunity to change their behaviour without a financial penalty.

“Given the number of journeys on this road each day, the numbers of drivers who are contravening the road markings is encouragingly low.”

Enforcement on another yellow box junction in Derby has raised the council a six-figure sum from fines.

The camera at St Alkmunds Way, close to the junction with Cathedral Road, has earned the council more than £130,000 in income – as reported in July.