Please note that the enitre text can be forwarded via email, just arsk.
Seems theyre not too popular even amongst their own colleagues...i wonder why?
Also please note that the esteemed (or maybe not) Mr Clangerhand now "monitors" various motoring web forums although its not stated here.
Also worthy of note is the admission that cameras in australia have had NO impact on casualties! Oh yes indeedy! Enjoy.
4.7 Cumbria Safety Cameras (Cumbria Road Casualty reduction Partnership)
Notes from telephone interview between the Scrutiny Manager & Steve Callaghan,
Cumbria Safety Cameras 12/4/05 and additional information provided on 25/4/05
4.7.1 The Cumbria Safety Cameras (CSC) comprises of a small team located within
Carlton Hall, Penrith, providing valuable road safety data which feeds into the
Cumbria Constabulary’s casualty recording system and record of fixed penalties.
However, the work of the unit is more than just speed enforcement.
4.7.2 Where large amounts of money and resources have been allocated to a specific
action it is crucial that meaningful and quantifiable data is provided to accurately
determine the effectiveness of that action.
4.7.3 The team are now recognised nationally as leaders in their field, specialising in
data management & analysis and assisting in the development of targeted speed
reduction and public road safety initiatives.
4.7.4 The Cumbria Safety Cameras monitors and evaluates the actions that arise from
the data analysis, and sit on Police committees and the Cumbria Road Safety
Partnership. Understanding scientific, evidence-based feedback on road safety
initiatives is regarded as an important part of the work.
4.7.5 Members of the team include two data analysts, and a communications manager.
Although a relatively new team, officers have been able to build on the past
expertise of the Police and other agencies to improve information management,
data analysis and to reduce duplication across agencies.
4.7.6 The team is now able to write scripts and provide information for other partners,
for example: supplying information to the County Council’s Annual Road
Safety Statement. A net result of this service is that it is saving money for the
Authority and its partners.
4.7.7 Information is now being used to feed into the County Council’s
communications team to assist in targeted PR, publicity and promotional work
under the “Safer roads for Cumbria” initiative.
4.7.8 From the data analysis it is hoped that action can be identified which dovetails
with the work of the Police and other partners on road safety. A key
responsibility is to analyse accident clusters every year by working closely with
the police traffic management officers and assist in identifying actions to address
specific black spots.
4.7.9 There are regular meetings between the Highways Agency, Capita, County
Council representatives and other key stakeholders and where appropriate, the
team link with highways engineers to work collectively on cluster sites.
4.7.10 Although there may be several sites that require particular road safety/speed
reduction initiatives, these are first identified as part of the annual review
package and fed to traffic engineers for their consideration. By working closely
with, and using the expertise of the County Council and Capita, the risk of
wasting time and effort can be minimised at an early stage.
4.7.11 One of the main frustrations for the Cumbria Safety Cameras team is the lengthy
process that has to be gone through before certain actions can be implemented.
There is a huge process to go through if a road safety sign or poster is required,
27
and in some instances this has stretched over months, and in the case of the A69
(under the remit of the Highways agency), years!
4.7.12 At present there is a two-year lead time for “Shock Boards” on highways and
trunk roads. Evidence from extensive research and analysis work undertaken,
would suggest that such signs are needed urgently and continual delays only
serve to frustrate.
4.7.13 In certain situations a response is required within a 4-6 week period to be
effective. An eighteen month or two year wait is too long.
4.7.14 Steve wonders whether there couldn’t be a quicker route through the various
planning and design stages for such signage. After all, much of the work is
standard and having established a standard which complies with the necessary
siting, planning, build quality and H&S criteria, it should not have to go through
the same lengthy process each time?
4.7.15 Particular problems arise when highways contractors or sub contractors,
working on behalf of the Highways Agency do not respond quickly to requests
for actions which have been identified as important. Requests for signage on the
A69 and A65 were given as examples of this problem.
4.7.16 With regard to looking at new approaches to the problem of RTA casualties, the
team are currently looking at road safety initiatives and research from Australia
– particularly at deterrents to speeding.
4.7.17 Interestingly, in Australia speed camera enforcement has not affected the
number of fatalities, although a community speed watch programme has had
positive results. Consideration is being given to adopting this approach on rural
arterial roads in Cumbria, with the support of local communities.
4.7.18 Evidence from work undertaken by the Victoria Government with younger
drivers, would suggest the fear of being caught is a big deterrent. Actions based
on this fear have had a positive effect on reducing accident figures in this part of
Australia.
4.7.19 Between 40% and 50% of RTAs involve younger people and in Cumbria
consideration is being given to working with the Fire Service on an education &
PR campaign which will address the fear of being caught. A speed dimension
will also be included in order to secure funding.
4.7.20 Steve Callaghan believes that whilst the CSC offers the chance of increased
partnership activity between the Authority and its partners and the Highways
Agency, there is still some reluctance on behalf of highways engineers to work
with the team.
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