ANPR Cameras Could Be Used In Oxford’s Controversial Low-Traffic Zones
Emergency services and disabled motorists could be able to travel through restrictions installed in controversial traffic-calming schemes.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) were made permanent in Cowley in Oxford in July and others are being trialled.
But bollards and planters used to block roads have been routinely vandalised.
Oxfordshire County Council’s leader Liz Leffman said it is “committed” to using number plate recognition cameras to allow some people through barriers.
Mrs Leffman confirmed there are no further plans for any new LTNs in Oxford or Oxfordshire, in an interview with the BBC.
“We see now there are people with disability badges who want to access their homes so one of the things we are looking at is number plate recognition,” she said.
“That will help enormously because it means that people will then register their cars with us and will be allowed to drive through these areas.”
She said the public would be consulted about the potential use of cameras in the coming months.
“There will be consultation, there will be engagement with the local community before we put that in but it’s something we’re committed to doing,” she added.
LTNs are designed to allow residential access to roads but prevent them being used as shortcuts.
They have been in place in Church Cowley, Temple Cowley and Florence Park since March 2021 and were confirmed as permanent last month.
A six-month trial for Divinity Road, St Clement’s and St Mary’s started in May.
Same Difference 
It’s all well and good saying they’ll take vehicle registrations for disabled people, but blue badges are transferable between vehicles if someone else is taking the person with mobility issues out that day.