PLANS to use ANPR cameras to catch rule-breaking drivers and issue them with £70 fines look set to be given the go ahead.

Council chiefs are being asked to approve an application to the government for Cheshire West and Chester to become a civil enforcement area, giving the council moving traffic enforcement powers.

It would mean cameras with ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology could detect vehicles which are breaking the rules at various hotspots across the borough, with drivers then automatically issued with £70 fixed penalty notices - although the penalty would be halved if paid within 21 days.

The contraventions could include things like no right turn, one way traffic only, vehicle weight restrictions, and lanes for use by pedal cycles only.

Currently, only Cheshire Police has enforcement powers and any enforcement can only be carried out during specific times when officers are present.

The new regime would essentially allow council cameras to monitor certain roads and junctions 24/7 for breaches and automatically issue fines.

If given the go ahead, in the first six months of the scheme anyone who breaks the rules would receive a warning first.  But for repeat offences in the same location, or once the six month period has expired - the driver would get a fine.

Potential locations could be anywhere on the highway network within the borough excluding motorways, trunk roads and private roads, but initially 13 proposed sites were shortlisted.

These include:

High Street, Great Budworth, Northwich (restriction of good vehicles).

Junction of Nuns Road and Grosvenor Road, Chester (must turn left).

Civic Way, Ellesmere Port (no entry except buses).

A report to the cabinet, said: "The application for the adoption by the council of these powers should improve the enforcement of moving traffic contraventions in the borough."

Adding: "Moving traffic enforcement by ANPR camera aims to improve road safety and encourage free vehicle movement at key congestion pinch points on the road network through consistent, targeted enforcement.

"Reduced congestion has a positive impact on public health, notably, improved air quality and the associated health benefits this yields."

The council has previously carried out a public consultation on the plans.  A total of 76 responses were received which found 62 per cent were in favour, 20 per cent against and 18 per cent unclear (as their response related to other matters).

The cabinet is recommended to approve the plans when it meets next Wednesday, September 14.