Bradford Council has confirmed the next steps for improving safety and helping the flow of traffic at two busy junctions, by introducing moving traffic enforcement cameras.
The first cameras will be installed in Bradford city centre, targeting two junctions where drivers regularly ignore traffic rules such as banned turns and yellow box junctions — behaviour the council says contributes to congestion and creates safety risks for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Under new powers, the council can take action against drivers who fail to follow existing highway restrictions. Enforcement will focus on locations where there is clear evidence of dangerous or disruptive non-compliance. While most drivers follow traffic regulations, the council says a small minority break the rules and block junctions, disrupting traffic flow and increasing the risk of collisions; cameras will be introduced at sites where repeated violations occur and where other interventions have not been effective.
Cameras to enforce compliance
Moving traffic enforcement will operate in a similar way to existing bus lane and speed limit enforcement in the Bradford district. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be installed at a limited number of locations to support compliance with current traffic rules. Cameras will only enforce restrictions that are already in place and clearly signed, and there are no plans to introduce new traffic restrictions as part of this programme.
At each location, a six-month warning period will apply once cameras become operational, during which first-time offenders will receive a warning notice rather than a fine. After the warning period, drivers who ignore restrictions may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. Enforcement sites will be monitored regularly, and where high levels of compliance are maintained for 12 months, cameras may be removed.
The first enforcement cameras have now been installed at two junctions and will become operational on 17 August 2026: at Shipley Airedale Road and Leeds Road, enforcing the existing no-right-turn restriction, and at Godwin Street and Sunbridge Road, enforcing correct use of the existing yellow box junction. These locations were approved as part of the council’s application for enforcement powers, following a public consultation process.
There are also plans to introduce cameras at additional locations. A public consultation is now live on proposals at two further junctions: Vicar Lane and Bridge Street, where a camera would enforce the existing no-right-turn restriction, and Manchester Road and Croft Street, where enforcement would target banned turns and prevent blocking of the box junction. The consultation runs from Wednesday 5 August to Wednesday 16 September 2026. More information, and how to have your say, is available at future-bradford.co.uk/moving-traffic-enforcement.
Rolling annual programme
Public consultations will take place on proposed enforcement at additional locations in future years, as part of a rolling annual programme focused on sites where safety concerns or congestion problems are well established.
Cllr Andrew Judson, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for economy, regeneration and planning, said: “Moving traffic enforcement is about keeping people safe and keeping the Bradford district moving. Dangerous and inconsiderate driving causes congestion, puts pedestrians and cyclists at risk, and disrupts public transport.”
He added: “These measures are targeted, proportionate, and focused on locations where problems are well known. Clear signage will be in place, and our aim is not to penalise drivers unnecessarily, but to improve compliance, reduce danger and make our roads safer and work better for everyone.”
Further information about moving traffic enforcement in the Bradford district, including confirmed camera locations, is available at future-bradford.co.uk/moving-traffic-enforcement.
