CONCERNS have been raised over “racing” cars in Bournemouth town centre amid plans to introduce cameras which would fine motorists breaking an overnight vehicle ban.
Dozens of people have had their say on BCP Council’s proposal to introduce the cameras near Horseshoe Common.
BCP Council has taken the decision to apply to the Secretary of State for Transport to obtain a designation order as a civil enforcement area for traffic bypassing restrictive barriers between the hours of 10pm and 5am every night of the week in Old Christchurch Road.
Businesses in the area have mixed reactions to the proposals which would fine motorists automatically, with one nightclub manager fearing “an accident waiting to happen”.
Marc Fear, general manager at Cameo nightclub in Fir Vale Road, said: “The current situation with racing cars and alike along where people queue for my venue is an accident waiting to happen.
“The sooner cars are stopped using the roads where the night-time economy is based to show off and speed in front of queuing patrons the better.”
Read more: Fines handed out to cars passing barriers in Bournemouth town centre
Richard Wade, general manager at Morebus, said the cameras could replace the barriers, which may offer the opportunity to consider letting buses and taxis through.
He said: “The need for an alternative routeing causing confusion for some bus passengers leading to missing buses and lacking confidence in services, so isn't ideal.
“We will benefit from this power being used in other areas and agree this is the ideal place to trial it, and hence our overwhelming support.”
Martin Graves, director at Subway South which operates a branch in Old Christchurch Road, objected, saying: “The majority of our business during the traffic regulation order period is collected by delivery service providers predominantly, though not exclusively, using mopeds.
Read more: Cameras plan to catch cars breaking Bournemouth town centre ban
“In order to provide an efficient and effective service these riders need access to the roadway immediately outside the premises.”
Resident Tony objected to the proposals and hit out at “zealots” who want to grind the country to a halt. He said: “There is no need for banning cars at any time or place.
“The vast majority were taught to drive safely and the tiny minority who do not can be dealt with by the police if they want to go out and do something useful.”
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