Safe Speed Forums

Two speed cameras have been axed in Walsall as part of a major overhaul that could see every camera in the borough removed.

The speed traps in Chester Road have been taken down as a year-long review was launched in the borough to ensure they are not simply money-making machines.

It comes after the Express & Star revealed earlier this month that more than £2.6million was collected in a single year across the region from speeding fines – up from £375,000 in 1997.

Councillor Anthony Harris, Walsall Council cabinet member for transport, said more would be taken down if he did not think they were helping to cut accidents.

“Well placed cameras can save lives and reduce accidents, there is no doubt about that,” he said.

“What worries me is that many people believe there are some cameras across Britain that are only there to make money.

“I personally will not tolerate this practice in Walsall.

“I have already sanctioned the removal of two camera housings which were no longer needed on the Chester Road,” he added.

Across Walsall there are 47 fixed cameras, and the thorough review may take up to 12 months to complete.

Oooo this will be interesting!

We're very used to them conveniently "overlooking" the "reduction-to-the-mean" argument so far. I wonder whether it will start to feature more highly in their arguments if there are no KSIs on that stretch in the year AFTER the cameras are removed?!

Of course, it's also putting our heads on the block too. I just hope that after a highly publicised removal of a camera, there isn't a public free-for-all where people drive dangerously (as well as exceed the posted limit) just because there are no cameras looking!

When cameras were first erected and became the norm, a trend of people driving as if plod was watching developed for a while.

It could be that the proverbial end of school cap-throwing exists for a while, but hopefully not. Hopefully the camera removal will be adjunctive to a few ploice patrols.

Is it not because Councils are begining to realise that the outlay on their hired camera scam is exceeding their ill gotten income?...