An automatic number plate recognition camera (ANPR) camera "will be installed" to monitor a bus lane frequently misused by drivers, a councillor has claimed.

But Hertfordshire County Council says it cannot specify dates or locations for cameras to be rolled out to enforce traffic regulations.

North Watford Labour county councillor Asif Khan was behind a petition calling for enforcement of the bus lane from Leggatts Way/North Western Avenue to the A41-A405 roundabout.

This came after its illegal use had led Western Avenue resident Paul Groves to stage a one-man high-vis protest in the slip road - and warning that cars illegally using it could kill a child.

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Mr Groves stopped protesting after he claimed Hertfordshire Constabulary threatened him with arrest if he continued.

Cllr Khan's petition closed on September 16, with only 30 signatures.

He said: “I got a lot of positive comments on Facebook and the community groups were in favour of it.

“We got 30 people sign it, which is fine as it only affects people who live on that road.

“But it really is something which impacts the lives of the people that live there.”

Despite the low number of signatures, Cllr Khan believes the petition has had an influence on bringing about changes.

Watford Observer: Cllr Khan had been campaigning to encourage people to sign the petition. Picture: Asif KhanCllr Khan had been campaigning to encourage people to sign the petition. Picture: Asif Khan

He said: “I have been promised in principle by Hertfordshire County Council that they will get the ANPR put in.

“They said it was going to be introduced in early 2023.

“Now, obviously that’s about three or four months away and I am trying to pin them down on a date.

“In a way the petition and the act of having a petition sort of crystallised their view that they were going to have one.”

He added: “It’s important for residents that it is operated correctly, where buses and taxis should be able to use the lane and everybody else follows the highway rules.”

A Hertfordshire County Council spokesperson said: “We intend to introduce camera enforcement in 2023, but it is too early to specify other locations or dates for them to be implemented, in addition to those initially proposed, such as Woodmere Avenue.” 

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