A date has still not been confirmed on when cameras will be installed to catch and fine drivers who travel along a restricted section of Watford high street.

Watford Borough Council says that enforcement cameras will “eventually” be installed in High Street at the junction with King Street as part of an 18-month trial.

From February 28, there will be a temporary road closure along the length of High Street, Watford, from its junction with King Street north westwards, to its junction with Market Street except for access.

Once the work has been completed on March 3, a bus gate will be installed to only allow loading vehicles, taxis, bikes and public transport through High Street from King Street.

During the works, an alternative route will be available via King Street, A411 Exchange Road, Wellstones and Market Street.

 

Watford High Street near the junction with King Street. Credit: Simon Jacobs/Watford Borough Council

Watford High Street near the junction with King Street. Credit: Simon Jacobs/Watford Borough Council

 

The following bus services will use King Street Stop Q for boarding and alighting: 8, 10, 306, 318, 319, 320, 321, 347, 352, 398, 500, 520, 832, 951, R2, W1, W2, W18, W19, W20 & W30.

Other bus services including the 602 and 635 will use King Street Stop Q for alighting and Beechen Grove Stop O for boarding.

Then eventually, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will be introduced to enforce the restrictions, says the council.

The council says it has got powers to put in enforcement cameras on routes that are already restricted to most vehicles. Legislation is set to be introduced later this year giving councils outside of London powers to enforce traffic contraventions via camera in other streets, such as Woodmere Avenue in Watford.

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Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said the reduction in traffic during the pandemic has made the town centre a “safer, less polluted and healthier environment”.

He added: “We want to keep these benefits and build on them to develop a more attractive and healthy town centre.

“We are also increasing the number of blue badge bays to improve access for people with disabilities. We want a town centre that can be accessed and enjoyed by everyone.”