CCTV cameras could fine drivers at 3,000-home Nottingham estate

A ‘high level’ of drivers are said to be ignoring the current rules in place at the development site

Traffic cameras will be installed at a 3,000-home estate on the edge of Nottingham and some of its first residents hope drivers being fined would stop the area being used as a ‘rat run’.

A ‘high level’ of drivers are currently said to be ignoring certain road restrictions around the Fairham estate, to the south of Clifton, and those doing so could soon be fined £70.

Issuing penalties to drivers who flout the rules was previously under the jurisdiction of the police, but a change in the law allowed local authorities to take on those powers.

Nottinghamshire County Council was first granted approval to take on these powers in December 2024, with two trial sites being selected.

The Reform UK-run council now wants to expand the use of traffic cameras and a report published on March 30 specifically mentioned the Fairham development as an area where they might be useful.

Traffic restrictions affect a key junction that takes drivers off the main Nottingham Road and into the Fairham development – or vice versa.

Restrictions mean that those driving down Fairham Way from the north are not allowed to turn left onto Nottingham Road.

Those coming down Nottingham Road from the north are also banned from turning right onto Fairham Way.

Explaining the purpose of these measures, the county council’s report says: “Allowing these manoeuvres would significantly reduce the capacity of the junction as the development progresses and create potential road safety concerns.

“These restrictions are now in place, however monitoring indicates a high level of non-compliance, with data showing that more than 100 vehicles per day are undertaking the prohibited manoeuvres.

“The developer has subsequently agreed to fund the installation of enforcement cameras to address this issue and to support the continued safe delivery of the remaining phases of the development.”

When Nottinghamshire County Council introduced cameras at its first two trial locations – in West Bridgford and Newark – it said fines would start at £70 and be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

Guidance for local authorities though makes clear that they should first issue a warning letter to drivers before issuing fines if they flout the rules again.

Some of those living near the junction at Fairham welcomed the move, with Dean Wagstaff saying he thought it would make the area ‘safer’ and “stop it being a rat run”.

Mr Wagstaff said he had seen cars doing the illegal manoeuvres on the very morning that he spoke to Nottinghamshire Live, though he stressed that he found the overall experience of living at Fairham ‘positive’.

Jordan Spring, 26, who moved to the area three weeks ago, also said he thought introducing traffic cameras was a good idea and in terms of whether it would cause issues for residents, he said: “No, there are other ways of getting about.”

“I know people do it,” Mr Spring said, in relation to people breaking the rules at the Fairham junction.

Laura Saunders, 46, also felt that the traffic cameras would not cause issues for those living in Fairham, saying there was alternative access onto Nottingham Road.

“Maybe for people on other estates,” Ms Saunders added.

The £800 million Fairham project will eventually bring 3,000 houses to the 606-acre plot of land it sits on – alongside a business park, new school and community facilities.

Councils raising any funds from issuing fines to drivers caught flouting rules on traffic cameras are limited in terms of how they can use that money.

The cash can only be used to recoup the costs of enforcement, pay for public transport, pay for road improvements or pay for environmental improvements.

Although name-checking Fairham in its report, the county council believes traffic cameras could prove useful for all major developments, adding: “The availability of these new civil enforcement powers now enables planners and highway officers to consider the use of restrictions alongside camera enforcement as part of the design of new developments.

“Where developers fund the installation of cameras, restrictions can be enforced from the point at which new highway infrastructure becomes operational. This will help ensure compliance from the outset and reduce the risk of safety or traffic management issues arising.”