Bus-gate cameras to come into force in Watford High Street in April

The cameras have been installed in High Street at the junction with King Street and will be in operation from April 4, Watford Borough Council has said.

The council is describing the new measure as a bus gate and fines will be given to drivers of any prohibited vehicles who pass through the 'gate'.

The cameras, which were initially planned to be introduced in February, use automatic number plate recognition and £60 fines will be issued to contravening drivers - reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

The types of vehicles that will be allowed to pass through the bus gate are buses, taxis, pedal bikes, and authorised commercial delivery vehicles - which is already the case.

Loading vehicles may also enter to use designated bays, during the times loading is permitted.

A sign warning about the bus-gate (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said previously: "The High Street has been off limits to general traffic for over 12 years. During Covid, the roadway was blocked off to manage pedestrian issues and marshals made sure that only permitted vehicles had access.

"The reduction in traffic has made the town centre a safer, less polluted and healthier environment. We want to keep these benefits and build on them to develop a more attractive and healthy town centre."

Access from the other end of High Street is already restricted by automatic bollards in Clarendon Road outside Watford Palace Theatre.

The cameras will be trialled for up to 18 months, with residents, businesses and disabled drivers being asked to provide their feedback during the first 6 months. This will enable tweaks and changes to be made to the scheme where necessary.

Plans are also being developed to provide up to an additional 20 blue badge parking spaces in George Street, Church Street, King Street and Wellstones by converting some taxi bays and other unused space.