More than 1,000 fines were handed out in just a month to drivers who illegally entered a street in Watford.

Around 1,200 penalty charge notices were given out by Watford Borough Council in June after a ‘bus gate’ camera was introduced in the town centre.

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Designed to keep the high street “pedestrian-friendly”, only buses, taxis, loading vehicles and bikes are allowed to use the bus gate, according to the council.

Situated and signposted at the junction of High Street and King Street, automatic number plate registration technology picks up any prohibited vehicles venturing into the road.

Read more: Bus-gate cameras to come into force in Watford High Street

Watford Observer: The scheme was slightly delayed, coming into force in late May 2022. Image: Watford Borough CouncilThe scheme was slightly delayed, coming into force in late May 2022. Image: Watford Borough Council (Image: Watford Borough Council)

But it appears many motorists were caught out after the camera was put up at the of May.

However, papers to be presented to the council’s overview and scrutiny committee meeting tomorrow say compliance is “rising” and the level of fines handed out in June is not expected to be maintained as drivers get used to the new camera restriction.

Drivers who receive a ticket are fined £70 which is reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

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Watford Observer: The section of High Street runs between the junctions of King Street and Market Street. Image: Watford Borough CouncilThe section of High Street runs between the junctions of King Street and Market Street. Image: Watford Borough Council (Image: Watford Borough Council)

The council says income from fines pays the cost of the enforcement, which includes staffing, maintenance of signs and lines and other associated costs. Any leftover cash will go towards making road-related or public transport improvements.

The council has been approached for further details about the fines handed out.

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