Islington launches first-ever permanent weight restriction on HGVs using smart cameras
Islington Council has installed its first two smart cameras to permanently enforce vehicle weight restrictions and tackle HGVs that use residential roads as through-routes.
The new cameras in Copenhagen Street and Mildmay Park operate 24/7 to enforce the 7.5t weight restriction, creating a safer environment and cutting air pollution, after concerns from residents about the amount of HGVs using the areas as cut-throughs.
The smart cameras operate by identifying a vehicle’s size and predicting its weight. If the vehicle is believed to be over the restricted weight, its details are checked through the DVLA before the decision to issue a penalty charge notice is made.
Drivers are made aware of the weight restrictions by advanced warning and enforcement signs in the areas.
The introduction of these cameras aims to reduce air pollution levels, reduce illegal activity by HGVs, reduce congestion and improve safety on Islington’s residential roads. The Copenhagen Street and Mildmay Park cameras follow the launch of an innovative, temporary trial of the technology in Drayton Park earlier this year.
Cllr Claudia Webbe, Executive Member for Place & Environment said:
“We’re committed to taking bold action to reduce the number of lorries on our residential streets by enforcing our existing lorry ban thus improving road safety whilst also tackling air pollution.
“We’re also listening to the concerns of local people who want cleaner, safer and quieter streets. We are determined to tackle the root cause of road danger and poor air quality therefore we don’t want lorries and HGVs using our residential streets as a shortcut route. These smart cameras are the first to permanently enforce a weight restriction in the borough and will help reduce congestion and tackle air pollution.
“By extending the use of this new technology, monitoring its success and looking out for other solutions we are driving innovation and change towards our committed goal of extending and enforcing our lorry ban borough wide.”
Access will be maintained in Copenhagen Street and Mildmay Park for vehicles required to service the local areas.
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