New smart cameras in London coming to ‘tackle danger hot-spots’

At least 50 new smart cameras will be rolled out at junctions in the capital this autumn in a bid to tackle dangerous driving, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.

The technology – to be built by P Ducker Systems (PDS) – will be used to enforce banned turns, bus lanes, yellow box junctions and weight restrictions.

TfL says the cameras can be moved around the network to where they are most needed, and can be adapted for each new location. Separate cameras for each traffic rule will help to ensure rules for each junction are adhered to correctly.

Their adaptability also means they can be used to target non-compliance ‘hot-spots’, which will help TfL target junctions where motorists drive most dangerously. The cameras can then be removed from areas where enforcement has proven successful.

The transport body say that issuing more penalties at busy junctions will help to cut congestion, keep junctions clear and ensure traffic can pass through them as needed.

The technological advancement comes as part of TfL and the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero goal that intends to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from the capital’s roads by 2040.

More than 4,000 people are killed or seriously injured on London’s roads and 76% of collisions happen at junctions, many of which involve moving vehicles contravening decriminalised road traffic rules, according to TfL. Last year, a trial of cameras made a compliance improvement of up to 60% in six months.

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “Most collisions on London’s roads happen at junctions and it’s absolutely vital for everybody’s safety that we can enforce effectively against the minority of drivers who break the rules.

“We’re determined to meet our Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury, and our partnership with PDS to deliver these innovative new cameras will give us much-needed extra capability to tackle danger hot-spots on our road network.

“We’ll be closely monitoring the success of this new technology and will continue to work closely with the police and others to keep our road network safe, efficient and sustainable for everybody in the capital.”

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TfL will specifically be assessing how successful the new cameras are at cutting road danger, reducing congestion and improving bus journey reliability.

It says all money recovered by drivers being penalised will be reinvested in maintaining a safe and efficient road network for everyone travelling in London.

The cameras will be used for enforcement of civil traffic rules only and will be fully compliant with data protection legislation.