Council enforcement goes live with new cameras
New cameras have been installed at a rural bridge to help a council streamline enforcement of weight restrictions.
We have installed new Moving Traffic Enforcement (MTE) cameras at County Bridge in Barnard Castle, following the delegation of moving traffic enforcement powers earlier this year.
Change in powers
This will allow us to issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) to motorists who ignore the 7.5 tonne weight limit of the bridge.
The change in powers will allow us to impose the restriction more efficiently, and any income received from PCNs will be used towards maintaining the camera systems as well as supporting local bus services and other transport projects throughout the county.
It has also made us the second local authority outside of London to carry out this type of enforcement, potentially influencing how it is carried out in other areas of the country.
Streamline enforcement
Cllr John Shuttleworth, our Cabinet member for rural communities and highways, said: "We already had the responsibility of monitoring cameras at County Bridge, with details of any contravention of the weight limit sent to Durham Constabulary. Taking over these powers allows us to streamline enforcement of the bridge and install new, more efficient cameras.
"The site will also help us monitor how the new local authority powers work in practice and allow us to evaluate other locations that could be deemed suitable for future MTE provisions."
