As part of the Roadside NO2 project, Derby City Council (DCC) has said it will be installing 27 ANPR cameras across 12 sites in the city to monitor journeys and traffic.
The council has said the devices will not be used for any enforcement purposes.
According to DCC, the gathered data will be used to help the local authority understand how vehicles travel around the city, their journey times and the impact of journeys on air quality.
From Monday 5 September, cameras will be installed at: A516 Uttoxeter New Road Royal Derby Hospital; A5111/ A38 Grand Canyon; Uttoxeter New Road Rowditch; Uttoxeter Old Road Sims Avenue; Ashbourne Road; Uttoxeter New Road – Sudbury Street; Mercian Way; Ford Street; A6 Five Lamps; and Traffic Street.
The local authority claims it has been asked to use ANPR cameras by the government to help it contribute to national air quality modelling.
The council hopes to use the data to make improvements to local roads aimed at helping private vehicles, public transport, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Steve Hassall, councillor and cabinet member for regeneration, decarbonisation, strategic planning and transport said: “For most of our residents, travelling is an everyday need so it’s important that we’re making this as quick and easy as possible however people decide to travel.
“However, we also have a duty to protect our environment and reduce harmful emissions that particularly impact pedestrians and cyclists.
“The data collected by these cameras will allow our teams to make informed decisions about any future changes to our highway network and deliver the best outcomes for the travelling public.”
The Roadside NO2 project has already resulted in some changes made to key junctions across Derby; further information about the initiative is available on the council’s website.
