Menu
15/07/2008
Council Could Cut Speed Camera Spending
A Conservative-run council could stop spending money on speed cameras, because of concerns that they are not the best way to make roads safer.
Swindon Borough Council currently contributes £400,000 to funding speed cameras in the town, but they now reviewing their involvement in the local safety camera partnership scheme.
The council's leader, Councillor Roderick Bluh, told reporters that that the council believe that speed cameras might not be the effective way to reduce road accidents, but stressed that they would not compromise safety. The decision will be made by September.
It is believed that the council's announcement is the first time that a council has challenged the government on the issue of speed cameras.
The announcement follows changes in speed camera funding laws, which allow the Treasury to keep the proceeds of fines and, instead, distribute road-safety grants to councils.
Conservative Councillor Peter Greenhalgh told reporters that the speed cameras were "a blatant tax on the motorist" and that the money could be better spent on local safety measures.
However, Anne Snelgrove, Labour MP for South Swindon, has called for the plans to be dropped, accusing the council of "playing politics with lives".
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport stressed that safety cameras were designed to save lives, not raise revenue, and said that there were 1,475 fewer deaths and serious injuries per year in areas where camera were located. However, the spokesperson said that the decision on funding was a local matter for the council.
(KMcA/JM)
Swindon Borough Council currently contributes £400,000 to funding speed cameras in the town, but they now reviewing their involvement in the local safety camera partnership scheme.
The council's leader, Councillor Roderick Bluh, told reporters that that the council believe that speed cameras might not be the effective way to reduce road accidents, but stressed that they would not compromise safety. The decision will be made by September.
It is believed that the council's announcement is the first time that a council has challenged the government on the issue of speed cameras.
The announcement follows changes in speed camera funding laws, which allow the Treasury to keep the proceeds of fines and, instead, distribute road-safety grants to councils.
Conservative Councillor Peter Greenhalgh told reporters that the speed cameras were "a blatant tax on the motorist" and that the money could be better spent on local safety measures.
However, Anne Snelgrove, Labour MP for South Swindon, has called for the plans to be dropped, accusing the council of "playing politics with lives".
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport stressed that safety cameras were designed to save lives, not raise revenue, and said that there were 1,475 fewer deaths and serious injuries per year in areas where camera were located. However, the spokesperson said that the decision on funding was a local matter for the council.
(KMcA/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 February 2004
London to see speed camera policy thrown into reverse
One third of London's 400 speed cameras may eventually be replaced with high-tech smart signs that will warn motorists when they are driving too fast. The move follows criticism of speed cameras which Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens said were aimed at raising fine revenues rather than reducing incidents at accident blackspots.
London to see speed camera policy thrown into reverse
One third of London's 400 speed cameras may eventually be replaced with high-tech smart signs that will warn motorists when they are driving too fast. The move follows criticism of speed cameras which Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens said were aimed at raising fine revenues rather than reducing incidents at accident blackspots.
21 June 2007
Jessops cut stores and jobs
High Street photographic chain Jessops has announced it is to axe 81 stores in a cutback as part of a "strategic review". The company said that 47 of the stores were "overlapping," 31 were loss making and three were being redeveloped.
Jessops cut stores and jobs
High Street photographic chain Jessops has announced it is to axe 81 stores in a cutback as part of a "strategic review". The company said that 47 of the stores were "overlapping," 31 were loss making and three were being redeveloped.
12 October 2005
Campaigners call for lower village speed limits
Rural campaigners are urging the government to introduce 30mph speed limits in villages. A survey by the Campaign to Protect Rural England found that 70% of county councils are not implementing a 30mph speed limit in villages. In Buckinghamshire, the researchers found that over 100 villages had a 60mph speed limit.
Campaigners call for lower village speed limits
Rural campaigners are urging the government to introduce 30mph speed limits in villages. A survey by the Campaign to Protect Rural England found that 70% of county councils are not implementing a 30mph speed limit in villages. In Buckinghamshire, the researchers found that over 100 villages had a 60mph speed limit.
27 January 2011
Speed Camera Study In Focus
According to a new study by Which? over half the fixed cameras in England and Wales don’t work at any one time. The consumer watchdog found that Sussex had 60 fully functional cameras, while only 10% of Lancashire’s 287 yellow boxes were snapping motorists at any one time.
Speed Camera Study In Focus
According to a new study by Which? over half the fixed cameras in England and Wales don’t work at any one time. The consumer watchdog found that Sussex had 60 fully functional cameras, while only 10% of Lancashire’s 287 yellow boxes were snapping motorists at any one time.
15 January 2010
Cumbria Speed Camera Trashed
South Cumbria police have appealed for information after thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to a permanent roadside safety camera in Kirkby Lonsdale. Sometime overnight last Saturday, the permanent roadside safety camera facing Eastbound on the A65 at Devil's Bridge, Kirby Lonsdale had its camera post cut.
Cumbria Speed Camera Trashed
South Cumbria police have appealed for information after thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to a permanent roadside safety camera in Kirkby Lonsdale. Sometime overnight last Saturday, the permanent roadside safety camera facing Eastbound on the A65 at Devil's Bridge, Kirby Lonsdale had its camera post cut.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
