Menu
23/10/2008
Swindon Councillors Scrap Speed Cameras
Councillors in Swindon have voted to stop funding speed cameras in the town, making it the first borough in England to take the steps.
The decision to withdraw fixed speed cameras from the Wiltshire & Swindon Safety Camera Partnership came as a nine-strong cabinet voted unanimously on Wednesday night.
Revenue from the fines generated by the fixed cameras, goes to the government. However, the Conservative-led borough pays £320,000 to maintain them. Councillors have decided the money would be better placed on safety measurements like street lighting and warning signs.
Peter Greenhalgh, a Tory councillor in the area, first suggested withdrawing funding for the cameras around 12 months ago, following changes to the way fixed-point cameras were funded.
He objected to central government receiving money from fines, while Swindon Council still had to pay for the upkeep of the cameras.
"I understood we are the first council in Britain to get rid of fixed-point speed cameras," Mr Greenhalgh said after the meeting.
However, he added that while there would be no longer fixed-point speed traps, police will still be patrolling the area with hand-held speed-measuring devices.
He added: "We will be working very closely with our partners, including police in the road safety partnership to deliver a plan that reduced the number of people being killed on the roads in Swindon."
Jeremy Clarkson, from BBC2's 'Top Gear' programme, has in the past voiced support for Mr Greenhalgh.
(JM)
The decision to withdraw fixed speed cameras from the Wiltshire & Swindon Safety Camera Partnership came as a nine-strong cabinet voted unanimously on Wednesday night.
Revenue from the fines generated by the fixed cameras, goes to the government. However, the Conservative-led borough pays £320,000 to maintain them. Councillors have decided the money would be better placed on safety measurements like street lighting and warning signs.
Peter Greenhalgh, a Tory councillor in the area, first suggested withdrawing funding for the cameras around 12 months ago, following changes to the way fixed-point cameras were funded.
He objected to central government receiving money from fines, while Swindon Council still had to pay for the upkeep of the cameras.
"I understood we are the first council in Britain to get rid of fixed-point speed cameras," Mr Greenhalgh said after the meeting.
However, he added that while there would be no longer fixed-point speed traps, police will still be patrolling the area with hand-held speed-measuring devices.
He added: "We will be working very closely with our partners, including police in the road safety partnership to deliver a plan that reduced the number of people being killed on the roads in Swindon."
Jeremy Clarkson, from BBC2's 'Top Gear' programme, has in the past voiced support for Mr Greenhalgh.
(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.
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.
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.
03 August 2004
Tories pledge to scrap 'money maker' speed cameras
The Tories have pledged to "end the war on Britain's motorists", and audit all speed cameras and speed limits in an effort to "get the government off the back of the sensible driver" and concentrate on criminals.
Tories pledge to scrap 'money maker' speed cameras
The Tories have pledged to "end the war on Britain's motorists", and audit all speed cameras and speed limits in an effort to "get the government off the back of the sensible driver" and concentrate on criminals.
15 July 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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
