DRIVERS flouting traffic restrictions in Oxford's historic High Street will be fined £60 when new spy cameras 'go live' this month.

The cameras - first promised six years ago - will catch drivers who ignore the daily ban on city centre traffic between 7.30am and 6.30pm by recording the registration numbers of outlawed vehicles.

Fixed penalties will start to be imposed when the system goes live on Monday, February 26.

Bus gate restriction points were introduced in city centre locations when the Oxford Transport Strategy was launched in 1999, and only buses, taxis and licensed private hire vehicles are allowed through during the day. But drivers have been given a free rein to ignore the ban - because a legal loophole meant no-one could be prosecuted using CCTV footage.

A recent change in legislation has now made enforcement possible for the first time.

Steve Howell, head of transport at Oxfordshire County Council, said: "It's great news the cameras are finally going live as we have been concerned about the increasing numbers of people abusing the restrictions.

"We are confident the cameras will provide an effective way of deterring offenders, which will help decrease journey times for bus passengers and improve the city centre environment for everyone."

A survey carried out by The Oxford Times last year showed 200 drivers an hour flouted the ban.

The amount of private traffic still using High Street during the day was cited as one of the reasons buses ran late.

The bus gates in Castle Street, George Street and Magdalen Street will also be monitored by CCTV.

In the run-up, police will be increasing their presence at the four restricted points.

As with ordinary parking fines, the £60 penalties will be reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.

Carfax city councillor Paul Sargent said: "It's a problem because during the daytime, vans, trucks and cars in the High Street just add to the problem of congestion.

"Six years ago, we were promised less congestion and, with it, the tools for congestion management - this is long overdue.

"We have high levels of pollution in the city centre. Any reduction in traffic is going to help reduce harmful pollution. And if you have got restricted areas, it's safer for pedestrians.

"If you want a society where people police themselves, you are living in cloud cuckoo land - you need some stick.

"As soon as a few people have had fines and word gets around, then people will stop doing it and then it polices itself.

"If people are foolish enough to keep doing it, then they are going to get fined."

Oxford Bus Company director Louisa Weeks said: "We're delighted that the cameras are now ready for use. The delay has been difficult for everyone.

"We've found it frustrating to watch the vehicles that are banned from the High Street flouting the laws and undoing our environmental work."

Chris Child, a spokesman for Stagecoach buses in Oxford, said: "We welcome the introduction of new cameras.

"This should go a long way to enforcing the legal restrictions along the High Street, improving bus access and reducing congestion."