We are consulting on the introduction of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) enforcement in two locations in Bath, following the decision to make the three linked through-traffic restriction trials in Winifred's Lane, Gay Street and Catharine Place permanent.
Background
Despite highway signage, traffic monitoring has identified significant rates of non-compliance, with contraventions detected at the no-right turn at the Cavendish Road/Sion Hill junction, the mandatory left turn from Upper Gay Street into George Street, and the no entry into Upper Gay Street. These traffic contraventions are not safe and not legal, undermining the purpose of the restrictions to improve safety for walking and cycling in the area.
The Single Member Decision report which details the outcomes of the trial scheme, recommended several mitigations, including that ANPR cameras are proposed to support compliance with the scheme, subject to separate public consultation and the outcome of a Traffic Regulation Order process.
Read the Single Member Decision report here.
The six-week public consultation to introduce ANPR enforcement cameras will begin on Monday 23 March. If implemented, those contravening the restrictions will receive a warning notice for their first contravention at each site within the initial 6 months following implementation, to help raise awareness and improve compliance. Any further contraventions may result in the issuing of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £70.
Read about the background to these restrictions
In November 2024 following extensive public consultation, three linked through-traffic restriction trials in in Winifred’s Lane, Gay Street and Catharine Place were installed under experimental traffic regulation orders (ETROs). A public consultation was run alongside this until 30 April 2025 on the following measures:
- Catharine Place: Through-traffic restriction
- Gay Street (South): No entry from George Street, with left turn only onto George Street
- Winifred's Lane: Through-traffic restriction, plus no right turn into Sion Hill (East) from the top of Cavendish Road
On 30 January 2026, the decision was published making the three through-traffic restriction trials in Winifred’s Lane, Gay Street and Catharine Place permanent. Following a call-in, the decision was upheld and made permanent on Monday 23 February 2026.
The decision to make the trials permanent was not dependent on the mitigations going ahead. The Single Member Decision report, detailing the outcomes of the trial scheme, recommends several mitigations, including that Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are proposed for installation at the Cavendish Road/Sion Hill (East) junction and at the Upper Gay Street/George Street junction to support compliance with the scheme.
Locations
Select an option below to view images of the proposed locations. Click on the images to open a bigger version.
We are not proposing to add any additional traffic restrictions to those that are already in place at these locations, and drivers that continue to comply with the restrictions at each location will not be at risk of enforcement action.
We would carry out enforcement in a way that is transparent, accountable, proportionate and consistent; and will only take action when absolutely necessary and after the issue of warning notices.
Drivers that do breach moving traffic restrictions may be subject to a PCN of up to £70. All PCN recipients will have a legal right of appeal.
What we are consulting on
We intend to implement Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at the junction of George Street and Gay Street, and the junction of Sion Hill and Cavendish Road.
This will allow us to enforce contraventions being committed despite the previous introduction of new traffic measures. By implementing this, we aim to encourage compliance and improved driver behaviours, making our roads safer and reducing congestion.
The cameras will detect and evidence the traffic violations, which will then be reviewed by a trained officer, pending the potential issue of a Penalty Charge Notice of up to £70.
This will allow us to effectively monitor the number of contraventions at the locations. In doing so, we can then evaluate whether the current road markings, signage and enforcement measures are fair, proportionate and effective.
Who we are consulting
We are inviting local residents and businesses to give us their views on the use of enforcement cameras at these locations. However, anyone is welcome to respond to this consultation and share their views.
We will consider feedback in all responses.
Have your say
This consultation opens on Monday 23 March 2026 and closes at 5pm on Tuesday 5 May 2026. You can have your say using the link below.
If you need information in an alternative or printed format, or would like to contact the team, please email us at LNs_TRO@bathnes.gov.uk or call us on 01225 394025.
If you are unable to use the internet, support is available from local B&NES libraries and information centres, or you can send a letter clearly stating whether you support or object to the scheme and the grounds for this to:
Liveable Neighbourhoods team
Bath & North East Somerset Council,
Lewis House,
Manvers Street,
Bath BA1 1JG
What happens next
We will use feedback from this consultation to help make the final decision on whether to use enforcement cameras in the specified locations.