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Speed camera siting rules

http://www.edp24.co.uk/Content/News/story.asp?datetime=15+Apr+2004+06%3A30&tbrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=NEWS&category=News&brand=EDPOnline&itemid=NOED14+Apr+2004+21%3A56%3A53%3A423

HELEN ASHWORTH, EDP CHIEF REPORTER

April 15, 2004 06:30

Some speed cameras can be sited outside accident blackspots and without following the usual strict guidelines, it emerged yesterday.

But only 15pc of the entire allocation of speed enforcement can be used at such spots - and a good reason must be given.

Government criteria directs police to use highly visible cameras only at accident blackspots, but the Department for Transport guidelines also allow for 15pc flexibility enforcement.

This allows police to site a camera on a temporary basis at places where they cannot justify a fixed camera.

But it is "highly unlikely" to mean that the notorious Grapes Hill camera, decommissioned last week because its position did not meet criteria, will be reinstated under the rule.

The fixed camera stands redundant with its film removed as an investigation continues into the positioning of all 18 fixed speed cameras across Norfolk.

The EDP reported last week how Norfolk Police Authority has called for greater transparency and accountability around where cameras are located, the criteria used in their siting, and the evidence on which decisions are based.

The guidance which came to light yesterday said cameras can be placed at less dangerous roads after death and injury blackspots have been exhausted, but only with good reason.

Conservative shadow transport minister, Damian Green accused the Government of "sneaking" out the changes.

Chairman of the Norfolk Casualty Reduction Partnership, the organisation which runs speed cameras in the county, Supt Mark Veljovic, said: "In order to site a camera, you need to comply with the criteria set down by the Department for Transport.

"This includes data spanning back three years about the site, but there are sites where you cannot stick rigidly to the criteria but still feel you need to put a camera there.

"If we are unable to meet criteria around the siting of a camera, but there are specific public or police concerns over a location, then we are permitted within this 15pc enforcement limit to still locate a camera there."

In Norfolk, under 1pc of the 15pc 'tolerance allowance' is used - all with mobile cameras.

The tolerance allowance comes in at places such as the new dualled area of the A11, where three years of history of the road are not available.

"Because it is a new section of road, you can't strictly comply with the requirements, but using this 15pc tolerance allowance, you can still site a camera there," said Supt Veljovic.

"We could technically use the 15pc rule on the Grapes Hill camera, but it is highly unlikely. We don't use this 15pc for any fixed cameras at the moment," he said.


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