Why it matters: Despite recent improvement works and clear signage, motorists are continuing to ignore access restrictions on the town centre street, where violations have persisted for years. A 2022 survey recorded more than 1,000 contraventions in a single 12-hour period, while the street was the scene of seven collisions between 2017 and 2021, three of which were serious, according to Suffolk County Council.
The details: Upper Brook Street is restricted to buses and taxis at all times, with loading permitted between 04:30-10:30.
A spokesperson for Suffolk County Council said: "We are aware of ongoing concerns about unauthorised vehicles using Upper Brook Street, and to help manage access more effectively, Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras will be introduced to support enforcement on the street."
For context: Upper Brook Street was closed from August until October for major improvement works, including construction of new footway areas, carriageway reconstruction and relocation of parking facilities.
As part of those works, disabled parking bays were relocated from Upper Brook Street to Wingfield Street. The council said this was necessary to improve safety and air quality, and to ensure the road could work effectively with the planned ANPR system, as Blue Badges are issued to individuals rather than vehicles.
The council said it has not received any direct feedback from Blue Badge holders or associated groups on the changes.
What's next: The project is in its early stages and the council could not confirm when the cameras will go live. An initial grace period is planned where drivers will be notified but not fined. Emergency vehicles will be exempt from restrictions.
The spokesperson added: "We'll continue to work closely with local businesses and residents as the scheme is taken forward."
The bottom line: After years of persistent access breaches and recent major works that failed to deter rule-breakers, cameras are coming to Upper Brook Street, though when remains unclear.
