A new safety camera at a hazardous Oxford junction has generated more than £600,000 in penalties since its activation.
Oxfordshire County Council deployed the automatic number plate recognition device at The Plain roundabout to detect motorists performing prohibited left turns between Cowley Road and Iffley Road.
Information obtained through Freedom of Information requests shows the council has collected £627,920 from offending drivers.
Detractors have suggested the roundabout configuration is confusing, which they believe explains the substantial number of penalties issued, while supporters contend the junction posed unacceptable danger without intervention.
Green ward councillor Alex Powell indicated the figures demonstrate additional efforts are required to promote responsible, thoughtful and safe driving practices across Oxford. Powell stated that local residents have extensive experience of The Plain’s perilous nature. He noted that recent years have witnessed several collisions, including the sorrowful loss of Dr Ling Felce in 2022. These incidents underscore how critical it is for motorists to follow traffic regulations, particularly at a junction like The Plain.
Green city councillor Emily Kerr observed that the prohibition on left turns at The Plain has existed for considerable time, with three distinct signs warning drivers. Kerr expressed concern that numerous motorists seem uninformed about this legal requirement, as evidenced by the substantial volume of fines issued. She noted that The Plain ranks among the UK’s most hazardous locations for cycling, and previously the prohibited left turn constituted one of the roundabout’s most perilous sections. Kerr expressed hope that drivers would understand through financial penalties that performing this dangerous manoeuvre carries unacceptable consequences, and would subsequently use the route lawfully. She expressed optimism that penalty numbers would diminish over time, indicating that drivers are complying with traffic laws and roads are becoming safer.
David Henwood, leader of the Independent Oxford Alliance Group, commented that the revised road configuration deviates from typical roundabout and junction designs. He indicated this discrepancy alone bewilders numerous road users. Henwood stated that since the scheme is generating fines approaching £627,000, an evaluation appears necessary. He welcomed improved road safety outcomes if achieved, but questioned whether the enforcement penalty structure remains essential.
The choice to install the automatic number plate recognition camera at The Plain was made by Andrew Gant in October 2023. The cabinet member responsible for transport management had previously indicated the measure would enhance safety for all road users. Gant commented that this particular roundabout experiences heavy traffic, and the prohibited left turn presents a road safety risk that elevates dangers for everyone using the junction. He noted considerable backing for placing a camera to discourage this violation.
Drivers who breach the restriction receive a £70 penalty notice, reduced to £35 when settled within three weeks.
The safety measures followed the fatal incident involving Ling Felce, a 35-year-old cyclist who died after being struck by a lorry at The Plain roundabout. Driver Robert Whiting received an eight-year prison sentence for causing her death while operating a vehicle without qualifications, insurance, and while impaired by drugs.