Motorists incorrectly using problem Chester city centre junctions will soon face £70 fines after new enforcement cameras are to be activated later this month.

Signage has gone up warning drivers the new cameras will be in operation from May 20 at both ends of Nuns Road, Chester, and the top of Canal Street by Upper Northgate Street.

Motorists are prohibited from turning right from Nuns Road on to Grosvenor Road, or from Canal Street on to Upper Northgate Street, at all times.

In addition, drivers are not allowed to turn right from the traffic lights by New Crane Street on to Nuns Road between 4.30pm and 6pm.

ANPR (automatic number plate registration) cameras have been installed at all three junctions, as well as along a bus lane in Civic Way, Ellesmere Port.

Previously, we reported that during two-day traffic surveys at the various spots in 2022, had everyone who flouted the restrictions been ordered to pay the full £70, the council could have collected a potential maximum of £76,230 in fines from the Chester junctions, plus £7,000 for the 100 drivers who entered the bus-only lane in Civic Way.

In previous discussions, the council said Penalty Charge Notices would be issued to the owners of any vehicle caught misusing the junctions or the bus lane. The penalty charge level would be set at £70 for a moving traffic contravention, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

It was also planned that drivers will only be issued with an PCN on their second offence during the first six months the cameras are in operation. First offences will then result in fines after that period.

With the new cameras, it is envisaged it would free up police resources.

Councillor Karen Shore, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said at the time the plans were announced for the new cameras in September 2022: "This is not about introducing new restrictions. The purpose of these powers is to better enforce existing restrictions, helping to keep local roads moving and make our air cleaner.

"This application is to give the council powers to make the borough's roads safer and less congested for all road users."