Speed Cameras

I received a document today regarding safety cameras and the impact they have on road safety.

I'm not the biggest fan of safety cameras (formally speed cameras) as a driver, I felt I was spending too much time looking at my 'speedo' and not concentrating on the road. I wasn't convinced if they were there to prevent speeding motorists or were just a revenue earner for the authorities.

But.........looking at the latest set of statistics in connection with the cameras, my views have been slightly altered!

The Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership announced casualties have been reduced in Kent and Medway since July 2002.

In their report they claim;

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1) Safety cameras are only situated where a number of people have been killed or seriously injured in a speed related crash.

2) Since July 2002, there have been 58.3% fewer deaths and serious injuries at camera sites in Kent and Medway.

3) The cost to the community of the total casualty savings amounts to more than £20 million each year. This cost includes the savings for the emergency services and medical care.

4) They claim - We don't want your money, we want you to slow down.

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For more details log onto there website.

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I'm glad to say there are no speed cameras within Princes Park which means there have been no serious incidents involving deaths recently.

However, there is a speeding problem along Princes Avenue between Princes Charles Avenue and the Morrisons roundabout, making it hard for residents to cross the road, especially for the children's play park (demonstrated in a previous story on this blog). Myself and Pat are aware of this problem and will be contacting relevant officers in due course to see what options are available to us.

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posted by matt bright.