New survey shows motorists support speed cameras for road safety, but the question of revenue generation is still there.
29 Nov 2004

A West Midland road safety organization today released the results of a survey of more than 1100 motorists. The West Midlands Casualty Reduction Partnership (WMCRP), who is responsible for the site selection and installation of safety camera equipment, conducted the survey to gauge public opinion of the use of speed cameras.

The survey concluded that almost 72% of respondents felt the use of speed cameras should be supported as a method of reducing casualties, with a further 60% stating that fewer accidents would happen on roads where there are cameras. However almost half of motorists are still worried that the use of speed cameras are still a way of making money out of motorists.

Adam Warwick, Communications Manager for WMCRP says:

"For us the survey is mixture of a lot of good news, with a little bad; we spend a lot of time and effort explaining to the public the rules we must adhere to when using camera equipment. We can only place cameras where there is a proven history of serious or fatal crashes, and where there are no suitable alternative road safety measures. And, contrary to popular belief, we cannot keep the fine money that offenders pay."

"However, what we can do is reclaim the costs of running the Partnership from the Government, which has enabled us to invest many thousands of pounds in education initiatives across the region over the last 2 years."

The survey also asked motorists what they felt would be an acceptable speed at which to travel in a 30mph zone. Although nearly 90% of people said they normally try to stick to the limit, more than 44% felt that 5mph above the limit was acceptable. Only 9% felt that 10mph above the limit was acceptable.

"I think the survey ultimately shows the majority of motorists appreciate that speed limits are in place for a reason and understand that speed cameras can have a positive effect when used to reduce accidents. But I think there are still questions being raised about the camera scheme, and we will endeavor to convince motorists our only agenda is to reduce accidents at know casualty hotspots."

Midland Safety Camera Partnerships at 2004 Motorbike Show
4 Nov 2004

The Midland Safety Camera Partnerships (MSC) are bringing the chilling stories of four horrific crashes experienced by local bikers to this year's Motorbike Show. MSC hopes that the interactive displays that explain the causes and consequences of these crashes will help other motorcyclists to avoid finding themselves in similarly unpleasant situations.

One of the local motorcyclists featured is Dave. Visitors to the Midland Safety Camera Partnership stand in Hall 18 will see first hand the damage Dave's bike sustained when he hit a car whilst riding at 60mph. They will also be able to see Dave talking about the crash, the extensive injuries he sustained and the long-term impact the collision has had on his life.

Midlands Safety Camera Partnership spokesman Alison Richards says,

"Unfortunately Dave's story is not unique. In 2003 over 7,000 motorcyclists were either killed or seriously injured on our roads and the number of bikers being killed in crashes is on the rise. In what is a festival of all that is great about motorcycling we hope our stand will provoke some reflection amongst visitors on the way they ride and that this will help them to keep safe in the future."

The Midlands Safety Camera Partnerships will also use the Motorbike Show to launch an interactive CD-ROM designed specifically for bikers. The free CD aims to improve safety throughout the region and features a map showing the locations of all speed cameras in the Midlands. It also shows the speed limits at camera sites, an interview with Dave in which he discusses his crash, other road safety information for bikers, and camera FAQ's. British Superbikes champion, John Reynolds was on the stand signing copies of the CD-Rom.

Mobile Camera Enforcement across the West Midlands
3 Nov 2004

As part of a continuing program of casualty reduction measures across the West Midlands conurbation, the West Midlands Casualty Reduction Partnership today announced the launch of their new mobile camera enforcement vehicle. The vehicle will first be seen on Widney Manor Road, Solihull on Friday 5th November.

As with fixed speed camera enforcement there are strict guidelines on the use of mobile cameras. For a stretch of road to be considered for mobile enforcement there must have been at least 2 crashes per kilometer where people were killed or seriously injured over a 3-year period. The vehicle itself must also be clearly visible to approaching motorists from a distance of at least 60 meters.

Adam Warwick, Communications Manager for WMCRP says:

"Although the use of mobile equipment is not new in other areas of the country, this is the first time our Partnership has used this type of equipment. We hope that the new vehicle will help us to get to key casualty locations where fixed cameras were not appropriate."

To increase road users awareness of the mobile enforcement vehicle, WMCRP will spend the next two weeks travelling around the region to locations identified for enforcement.

"However we will not undertake enforcement for a couple of weeks to ensure motorists are used to seeing the vehicle on the roads. In this way we hope that drivers will understand that, when they see the mobile camera unit, it is there to try and improve the safety of the road."

Weekly press releases will be issued to local radio stations and newspapers in order to inform the public where the van will be. In addition a full list of mobile enforcement locations appears on the Partnerships Website, here.

It is hoped that in the future there will be several more mobile units in operation across the West midlands to help reduce the potential for crashes at known collision hotspots.