The Liberal Democrat-led Oxfordshire County Council has approved plans to install Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras on Witney High Street to enforce existing vehicle restrictions. However, this initiative has sparked significant opposition from local residents and Conservative councillors, who argue that the move is anti-motorist and ignores community concerns.
According to an officer report ahead of the decision made on Thursday by the Cabinet Member for Transport Management, Cllr Andrew Gant, the public consultation revealed overwhelming opposition, with 52% of residents responding to the consultation objecting to the ANPR proposal, compared to just 25% who supported it and 2% who partially support ANPR cameras being in place.
Despite the high number of objections, the council appears determined to press ahead with its plans with the officer recommending the scheme for approval and the Cabinet Member then approving the plans.
Councillor Liam Walker, Shadow Cabinet Member for Transport Management at Oxfordshire County Council, has strongly criticised the proposal, saying: "This is yet another anti-motorist policy from the Liberal Democrats that disregards the needs of our community. Not only does it ignore the overwhelming local opposition to these measures, but it also risks harming Witney's businesses that rely on deliveries and customer access. Local traders are already facing enough challenges without the council making it harder for them to operate. Furthermore, blue badge holders could be left struggling to access the High Street, which is completely unacceptable. The council should be working to support local residents and businesses, not penalising them with more restrictions and fines."
Councillor David Edwards-Hughes, Leader of the Conservative Group on Witney Town Council, also voiced his concerns: "This is a tone-deaf decision by the Liberal Democrats that flies in the face of what local people actually want. Enforcing vehicle restrictions with ANPR cameras will only make Witney High Street less accessible for those who genuinely need to use it. It risks creating a ‘closed-off’ town centre that deters shoppers and visitors, ultimately harming the local economy. If the council is serious about improving traffic management, they should be engaging with the public to find a more balanced and practical solution instead of forcing through an unpopular scheme."
The officer report also highlighted that funding for the Witney High Street and Market Square enhancements does not currently include the installation of ANPR cameras. However, funding for new ANPR sites is included within the Highways Network Programmes that form part of the capital programme. The county council plans to spend £300,000 on ANPR cameras in 2024/25, £900,000 in 2025/26, and £1.1 million in 2026/27.
Under the proposed enforcement, motorists who contravene the restriction may be subject to a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) payable at a rate of £70, discounted to £35 if paid within 21 days. An appeals process is in place for motorists who believe a PCN has been issued unfairly.
As opposition grows, local campaigners and councillors are calling on the county council to reconsider the introduction of ANPR enforcement and instead engage in a meaningful dialogue with the community to develop a more balanced approach to traffic management in Witney.
