Clampdown on Corby motorists defying George Street daytime traffic restrictions

Motorists in Corby using a restricted through road got a nasty surprise when police and vehicle standards officers held a joint enforcement operation in the town on Friday morning.

Unauthorised vehicles being driven past the Corby Cube on George Street were stopped as part of a special traffic operation in Corby town centre organised by Northamptonshire Police.

In response to community concerns, members of the Corby Neighbourhood Policing Team, Northamptonshire Specials Constabulary and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), carried out the checks in George Street.

Of the 18 vehicles, two cars were seized, a further two issued with notices and four people were fined £200 each for Covid restriction breaches.

PC Chris Vickers of Corby Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This operation was set up after concerns were raised by the local community about motorists ignoring the traffic restrictions and using the no-through route as a normal road.

“There are road signs in place at either end of George Street, and these restrictions have been in operation for a number of years, so there is no excuse for motorists to ignore them.

“It is disappointing to stop 18 vehicles in such a short period of time. However, as a result of the operation, we have received positive feedback from the community, in particularly from Blue Badge holders and pedestrians.”

Only taxis and buses are permitted to use George Street, between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturdays, while other vehicles such as cars, motorbikes and vans are restricted to access only during these times.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: "Between 9.30am and noon, a total of 18 motorists were stopped, which resulted in two vehicles being seized for having no insurance and a further two issued with VOSA prohibition notices – tyre defect and a number plate offence.

"While four people were issued with £200 fixed penalty notices for breaching Covid-19 restrictions around unnecessary travel. As part of the national lockdown, only essential journeys are permitted."