A SET of new enforcement cameras to tackle dangerous parking and driving has gone live on a multi- million pound highway scheme.

The new CCTV system has been installed on the no-stopping 'red route' of the A678 on Copy Nook, Bottomgate and Furthergate in Blackburn introduced in October 2017.

This month the cameras on lamp posts in the central reservations went live to stop motorists causing dangerous obstructions by double, careless and parallel parking, performing U-turns and even driving the wrong way down the double carriageway.

The system will operate on the busiest part of the the £4.8million Furthergate Link Road from the M65 Junction 6 which was widened with bus lanes under the £40million Pennine Reach Scheme.

Drivers caught on camera will get fines of £70 reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

Last month Blackburn with Darwen Council issued 435 warning letters to motorists for a variety of offences during a pre-activation trial period.

Speeding and driving in bus lanes will be enforced with the police.

The new cameras are concentrated around takeaways and shops on Copy Nook.

The new system could be extended to other locations across the borough, notably near schools and hospitals.

Cllr Phil Riley, the council's highways boss, said: "We are optimistic that the enforcement of these powers will deter the dangerous parking and driving behaviours that have plagued this new road since it was opened.

"They include driving in the wrong direction, sudden U-turns and parallel parking on the dual carriageway

"We want to ensure this road is safe for everyone to use and has invested in the cameras to send out a clear message to those thinking they can flout the rules.

"We have given people more than a year to get used to the new red route and a month of warning notices before making the cameras live."

Cllr John Slayer, leader of the borough's Tory group, said: "This is a good idea provided it is implemented with discretion, flexibility and understanding. There has been plenty of time for drivers to get used to the new red route."

The system, made by Videalert in Pinner near London, uses a single lamp post-mounted processor to support up to four cameras to monitor and enforce the full extent of parking and moving traffic offences.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is now in the process of identifying other locations, including a number of local schools and hospitals, where similar sets of cameras could be used to enforce multiple traffic contraventions.