Automatic number plate recognition cameras to catch drivers making dangerous manoeuvres in Accrington have been approved.

The initiative - which will see Lancashire County Council given new powers to stop drivers attempting dangerous manoeuvres including driving the wrong way down one-way streets – is set to be rolled out next summer.

The council plans to initially install automatic number plate recognition to identify drivers attempting dangerous manoeuvres in Hyndburn Road by McDonald's in Accrington.

They will also be introducing the powers in Charnley Street, Preston; Ringway/Bow Lane junction, in Preston, and Morecambe Road (Aldi) in Lancaster.

As well as helping to prevent accidents, it is hoped that this will also help reduce congestion.

The offences targeted include:

  • turning left, right or making u-turns when instructed not to do so
  • driving the wrong way up one-way streets
  • entering yellow box junctions when the exit is not clear
  • driving where/when motor vehicles are prohibited

Cabinet member for highways and transport, Cllr Charlie Edwards said: "I carefully read through the respondents' comments and I am pleased to see that the majority of these support what we hope to achieve.

"It's a priority for us to keep our roads safe, keep traffic moving and do what we can to minimise emissions.

"We will issue first-offence drivers a warning letter to ensure that people understand the scheme, which is very much focused on putting safety first, as well as dealing with traffic delays.

"We are hoping that if this initiative is successful, it could be rolled out at other locations across the county which suffer from a poor safety record.

"Any additional sites would each undertake the same consultation process before it was rolled out to them in the future."