Speed cameras to face fresh scrutiny
Data showing which cameras are effective at reducing accidents and which are not will soon be published
SPEED cameras across West Berkshire will face fresh scrutiny under new Government plans to measure their impact on road safety.
Cameras that have not been successful in reducing speeding and collisions, yet issue high numbers of tickets may then have to be removed.
But West Berkshire Council and Thames Valley Police said that no cameras in the area are likely to face the axe, because they are all crucial to road safety.
Under the plans, announced by transport minister Mike Penning, all data relating to camera sites, including how many tickets were issued and how many accidents occurred before and after the cameras were installed will have to be published.
The data can then be used by local residents to put pressure on councils to remove cameras that are merely used as money-spinners.
Mr Penning said: "We want to improve accountability and make sure that the public are able to make informed judgements about the decisions made on their behalf. So if taxpayers' money is being spent on speed cameras then it is right that information about their effectiveness is available to the public.”
West Berkshire portfolio holder for highways and transport, David Betts (Con, Purley-on-Thames), said: “I have no problems with (the plans) at all. Speed cameras are there to slow people down at accident black spots.
“As far as West Berkshire is concerned, I am sure that all our speed cameras are in locations where they are needed and have been placed in response to local conditions, they are not placed to raise money. I think we can justify every camera on road safety grounds and I wouldn't have it any other way.”
West Berkshire councillor David Rendel (Lib Dem, Thatcham Central) disputed Mr Betts' view of the purpose of cameras, but also welcomed the publication of the data: “My view has always been that speed cameras should have a more general effect in reducing speed, not just in the location where the camera is placed, with people braking just before the camera and speeding up afterwards. That can actually have a detrimental effect on safety.
“That said, if the data is available, I believe it should be published.”
Much of this data is already published voluntarily in West Berkshire and the police are currently collating the latest figures, but in future, it will have to be much more detailed, showing the number of people paying fixed penalty notices, how many opted to go to court and the number who opted to complete speed awareness courses.
