A camera has been installed at The Plain roundabout in Oxford to enforce a ban on drivers making a dangerous left turn from Cowley Road on to Iffley Road.

The automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera will be used to fine motor vehicles making the prohibited manoeuvre.

Despite the existing restriction, many motorists are still turning left, which increases road safety risks to other vehicles and road users, the council said.

Cyclists will continue to be allowed to make this left turn.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport management said: “This is an extra measure to help improve safety at The Plain for all road users, especially the most vulnerable such as pedestrians and cyclists.

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“This is a very busy roundabout and the banned left turn is a road safety hazard, which increases the risks for all road users. There was a good deal of support for the installation of a camera to deter this.”

Vehicles will continue to be required to drive around The Plain and then take the Iffley Road exit.

Motorists who contravene the restriction will receive a £70 penalty charge notice, discounted to £35 if paid within 21 days.

The camera is being funded by the council’s Vision Zero programme, set up to reduce road safety incidents and eliminate deaths and serious injuries from road traffic collisions across Oxfordshire by 2050.

The decision to install the ANPR camera was made by Cllr Gant in October 2023.

Safety measures at The Plain were prompted by the death of cyclist Dr Ling Felce in March 2022, which led to improvements in November 2022 as well as loading restrictions in 2023.