In Gloucester city centre, the recent installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to enforce no-parking zones has sparked debate about whether profit is being prioritized over pedestrian safety. This change has replaced the previous use of rising bollards—physical barriers that prevent unauthorized vehicle access.
The ANPR cameras were introduced following complaints from residents, businesses, the police, and local councillors regarding drivers ignoring no-parking regulations in the gate streets: Northgate, Eastgate, Southgate, and Westgate Street. Violators now face a £70 fine, which is reduced to £35 if paid within three weeks.
Despite the reduction in traffic, some councillors question why rising bollards were not reinstated. At a recent environment scrutiny committee meeting, Councillor David Willingham (LD, St Mark’s and St Peter’s) expressed concerns: “Back in 2017, Google Street View shows the rising bollards were effective. They physically stop vehicles entering the gate streets. Why haven’t we maintained them?”
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He argued that the switch to ANPR cameras compromises physical safety, suggesting that the choice favors generating revenue rather than protecting pedestrians. “This is concerning—it’s happened not only here, but also in Cheltenham. Other cities, like Cardiff, maintain rising bollards to keep pedestrian zones vehicle-free. Incidents, like those in Liverpool, highlight the risks of not having physical barriers.”
Council officers noted that the move to ANPR cameras was initiated by Gloucester City Council to curb vehicle traffic, and early results show fewer motorists entering the gate streets. Parking manager Andrew Burford commented, “Since updating the signage and increasing communications around the scheme, traffic has noticeably decreased. This suggests that effective publicity improves compliance.”
The debate continues over whether Gloucester should prioritize physical safety measures like rising bollards or rely on automated enforcement systems that issue fines.