A council has given the strongest indication yet a controversial width restriction could be scrapped - but it could take another year at least before it is removed.

Hertfordshire County Council has confirmed it will be applying for new legal powers to use cameras to fine drivers ignoring road restrictions such as in Woodmere Avenue in Watford.

A seven foot wide width restriction in Woodmere Avenue went viral earlier this year after videos of multiple drivers crashing into bollards was captured via a doorbell camera of a resident.

Neighbours and drivers have criticised the design of the restriction which is "hit every day" and even caught out a police officer.

Related: Watford width restriction goes viral - and becomes daily source for memes

Related: Police van hits Woodmere Avenue width restriction

Watford Observer: A police van partially off its wheels after hitting a bollard. Credit: Tim VigorA police van partially off its wheels after hitting a bollard. Credit: Tim Vigor

Despite clear evidence of collisions, the council has said drivers have a "responsibility" to know the width of their vehicle and the speed they are travelling at. The width restriction has been like this since around 2010.

But Phil Bibby, the Conservative councillor in charge of highways in Hertfordshire, admitted in an interview with BBC Three Counties Radio that the scheme "isn't working as it should", pointing towards the crashes and the number of drivers who ignore with width restriction and pass through a bus lane illegally.

Related: Council officers visit Woodmere Avenue width restriction

Watford Observer: Woodmere Avenue width restrictionWoodmere Avenue width restriction

He confirmed the council was working with the Government and Watford's MP Dean Russell on a potential solution; the installation of cameras.

These would be stationed in Woodmere Avenue as a deterrent to overweight vehicles using the residential street to cut through to industrial estates. By putting the cameras in, there would no longer be a need for a physical width restriction that's been damaging vehicles.

Related: Flying hubcap and ambulance in Woodmere Avenue as chaos continues

The Department for Transport announced in June councils will be able to apply for legal powers to use cameras to enforce moving traffic contraventions, such as ignoring no entry and one-way restrictions, driving in formal cycle lanes, or waiting in yellow box junctions.

At the moment in England, the council says only local authorities in London can issue penalty charge notices for these types of traffic offences.

Watford Observer: It is this particular restriction that causes the most problems. Residents have criticised the shape of the kerb leading up to the bollardsIt is this particular restriction that causes the most problems. Residents have criticised the shape of the kerb leading up to the bollards (Image: UGC)

Hertfordshire County Council looks set to apply for the new powers in the new year but any changes will need to be subject to public consultation, design, and installation, as well as a trial - Woodmere Avenue and Bishops Stortford town centre have been highlighted as two trial locations.

The council says it is "likely" to be 2023 before camera enforcement starts in the county, even on a trial basis.

Watford Observer: Police had to attend this collision in the summer although a video showed the Volvo had been travelling at speedPolice had to attend this collision in the summer although a video showed the Volvo had been travelling at speed

Cllr Bibby said: "We are always looking for new ways to make our road network safer and less congested for residents. These new powers could allow us to manage locations where large and heavy vehicles travel down residential streets or where motorists ignore signs that are there to keep everyone safe.

"This is just one of a number of measures we are considering to improve things for residents and keep our county moving."