Thousands of drivers have been handed warning notices after being caught on camera breaking the law at problem junctions in Chester city centre.

The new Cheshire West and Chester Council Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have been set up at three key junctions in the city to catch irresponsible drivers who ignore traffic signage rules.

While police still have powers to catch drivers in the act, the automatic cameras are designed to improve detection rates and be more of an effective deterrent.

And in just the first four weeks since the cameras were switched on, 2,089 offences have been reported in Chester, with warning notices sent to the vehicles' owners.

Previously, we reported the cameras have been set up at both ends of Nuns Road. Motorists are prohibited from turning right into Nuns Road from New Crane Street on Monday-Friday, between 4.30-6pm, and prohibited from turning right from Nuns Road on to Grosvenor Road.

Another camera has been set up on Canal Street, where drivers are not allowed to turn right on to Northgate Street.

In response to a query by the Chester Standard, CWaC has revealed that, between May 20 and June 14 – the first four weeks of the ANPR cameras being activated – a total of 988 drivers were caught illegally turning at the New Crane Street/Nuns Road junction.

A further 923 drivers were caught at the Nuns Road/Grosvenor Road junction, while 178 were snapped at the Canal Street/Northgate Street junction.

In addition, 120 drivers were caught during that time wrongly entering a bus lane on Civic Way, where cameras have also been activated.

Fortunately for all those caught, first-time offenders will have received just a warning letter, to help educate and raise awareness.

But any vehicle owner caught flouting the law again can expect to receive a £70 fine in the post, which would be reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

From November 20, after the six-month warning period, any driver caught will face a £70 fine, which again can be reduced to £35 if paid in 21 days.

Councillor Karen Shore, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said at the time the plans were announced for the new cameras in September 2022: "This is not about introducing new restrictions. The purpose of these powers is to better enforce existing restrictions, helping to keep local roads moving and make our air cleaner.

"This application is to give the council powers to make the borough's roads safer and less congested for all road users."