FAQs

The order associated with a Low Traffic Neighbourhood closure is a legal order to vehicles that are not exempt and are driven into the restricted area.

 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are triggered by vehicles passing through restricted areas and record only the license plate details of those vehicles. They do not record the wider area or record constantly.

 Road warning signs will be clearly displayed at the entrance point of each filter to inform you when you are entering a restricted area. Non-exempt vehicles that do drive through ANPR filters receive a fine called a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Further informaiton can be found on the following page: Parking and bus gate fines

The Cowley low traffic neighbourhoods were made permanent in July 2022, following an 18-month trial. The council committed to further engagement including the possible use of ANPR cameras to enforce the closures, which are made using planters and bollards.

The cameras will check the number plates of all vehicles passing through the restricted area during operational times, and cross reference them against the Exemptions List. If a vehicle is on the Exemptions List, then the ANPR camera will take no further action. If a vehicle is not on the Exemptions List the video clip will be reviewed by the Parking Team, who may then issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) to the registered owner of the vehicle.

If approved, ANPR cameras will enforce existing LTN filter sites that are already closed using planters and bollards. Every street will still be accessible in the area, but may require a longer journey.

In the event of a road traffic accident, or other incident that might require a LTN filter to be opened to traffic, penalty charge notices should not be issued.

We would be implementing the ANPR cameras under Part 6 (camera enforcement) of a Traffic Regulation Order. To meet Part 6 requirements the locations must be:

1. Identified as being subject of regular contravention of the Traffic Regulation Order as determined by advice from Thames Valley Police or on-site observations; and
2. Unable to practically, and at reasonable cost, make physical changes to make the order self-enforcing (avoiding the need for part 6 camera enforcement); and  
3. Support the overall ambitions within the Local Transport & Connectivity Plan, Network Management Plan and developing Area Strategies; and/or
4. Be adjacent or close to a bus route; and/or.
5. Have recorded evidence of accidents, or ancillary information relating to accidents of near misses; and/or
6. Support the success of wider initiatives being implemented such as, but not limited to, Schools Streets, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, Bus Journey Time Improvement.

Emergency services vehicles are exempt and can pass through the ANPR cameras.

We have engaged closely with emergency services regarding LTNs. Although bollards are droppable to allow emergency services access through, there have been issues which have prevented emergency services being able to pass through the LTN filters.

These issues have included parking, and installing objects, to obstruct passage through the filters; and tampering with bollards and locks on bollards (which impact whether the bollards can be dropped or removed easily to allow emergency access through).

The consultation will run from Monday 6th March to 5pm on  Monday 17th April 2023.

From 6 March 2023 you will be able to share your views on this proposal by:

1. completing our survey online here
2. requesting a paper copy by emailing activetraveloxfordcity@oxfordshire.gov.uk  or writing to us at County Hall, New Road, Oxford, OX1 1ND – marking the envelope: Cowley LTNs – ANPR survey, before 17 April 2023.
3. Sending us your thoughts and any concerns or suggestions you may have by email or written letter to the addresses above.

You can contact Oxfordshire County Council and ask for a paper copy of the survey.

You can find out more here:

• Cowley low traffic neighbourhoods
• Cowley LTNs to stay in place

When making a decision on whether to implement proposals such as installing ANPR cameras within Cowley LTNs, cabinet is asked to consider a range of information including consultation feedback monitoring data, legal advice, and equality and climate impact assessments.

 In their decision, council members recognise the range of views expressed and where relevant may commit to undertake additional further measures flagged through feedback or monitoring.

You can email the project team at activetraveloxfordcity@oxfordshire.gov.uk, write to them at County Hall or contact you local councillor who will raise your views with the team.