Rogue drivers in Ipswich could get penalty notices

Town centre roads, including Upper Brook Street, Dogs Head Street, and part of Fore Street have been closed to general traffic for years and are only open to buses, taxis, disabled drivers,  delivery services, and emergency vehicles.

However the signs are frequently ignored with many motorists using them as normal streets.

Ipswich Buses stopped using their short cut through Fore Street last year because it was blocked by drivers illegally using the road.

Now Suffolk County Council is looking at putting in Automatic Number Plate Rectognition cameras and possibly rising bollard to enforce the closures.

A public consultation has been launched on the council's website to allow the public to have their say.

Upper Brook Street was totally closed during the lockdowns and many visitors felt this was an improvement for the town centre - but it has since been reopened.

As well as the town centre streets, the council is also looking at how to enforce the closure of the Old Norwich Road between Whitton and Claydon.

Cabinet member for Ipswich Paul West. Picture: Paul Geater (Image: Archant)

Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Ipswich, said: “We are constantly striving to make the roads in Suffolk safer for all, whether you are motorist, cyclist, pedestrian or public transport user – or all of those.

“With these new powers, our ability as a county council to enforce moving traffic offences could in future result in improved road safety, eased congestion, more reliable public transport and ultimately cleaner air and an improved environment for all.

"The initial four areas have been chosen after listening to bus operators and comments from the public. 

“Although early on in this project, we want to take this opportunity to hear from Ipswich residents, businesses and bus companies about their thoughts on these measures and how improvements can be made."