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5 Aug 02Dorset Beging First Stage of Safety Camera Campaign
Dorset’s Road Safety Partnership was given approval in May under a government initiative to reduce the number of persons killed or seriously injured in the UK by the implementation of increased enforcement of excessive speed from 1 July 2002.
It is unfortunate to note that this year we have experienced a rise in road deaths where speed has been a critical factor. In this year so far (1 January to the end June 2002), there have been 25 road deaths and 237 people seriously injured, compared with 18 killed and 203 seriously injured during the same period last year on Dorset’s roads.
As a result of the approval of the scheme we will be implementing the first stage in the campaign, commencing 1 August 2002, to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured by introducing, as they become available, the resources needed to increase enforcement in those areas identified as HOTSPOTS.
A full time Project Manager, Mr Pat Garratt, is now recruited whose role is to co-ordinate the partnership and manage the day to day operations. He said:
"The programme that we are undertaking will be very challenging. The aspirations and aims of the project are to reduce the number of road deaths and serious injuries on Dorset’s roads.
"As part of the intended strategy of keeping the public informed we have, prior to increasing enforcement, painted all existing cameras bright yellow. All new cameras will also be painted bright yellow. Signs will be erected to ensure drivers are made aware of the HOTSPOT areas and the location of cameras. In addition, the location of collisions and areas that are subject to enforcement will be regularly and widely publicised,"
"This awareness means we are relying on education as well as enforcement to bring down speed across Dorset and consequently, to achieve our overriding goal of bringing down the number of deaths and serious injuries caused on our roads," said Pat Garratt.
<<ENDS>>
For further information on the scheme contact Pat Garratt, Project Manager, on 01202/01305 223465.
Note to editors:
Under the rules of the National Safety Camera Initiative much of the money collected from speeding fines is reinvested in erecting the cameras, buying and processing film and employing enough staff to process the penalties.
The Limit Partnership members are committed to a 25% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on Dorset’s roads within two years.
A recent survey (carried out by Direct Line) suggested that at least half of all motorists would be happy to see more safety cameras. The same survey revealed that 90% of drivers think more carefully about their speed because of safety cameras. Just 2% of the drivers polled said that they ignore cameras completely. The rest all indicated cameras helped make them slow down.
All the new fixed safety cameras will be positioned at sites which have been identified from their accident records. Strict criteria have been followed to ensure that the cameras will be sited where they are most needed. The six mobile units will travel the county at identified accident hot spots.
Drivers will be warned in advance, through the local media, about the location of every new safety camera.
The Limit Partnership will be able to reclaim the cost of new safety measures launched as part of the initiative from the Lord Chancellor’s Department, which receives the money from speeding fines.
Further information/interview opportunities:
Dorset County Council’s Media Office, 01305 224725.
Michelle Holland, Poole Borough Council 01202 633029,
m.holland@poole.gov.ukOliver Martin, Bournemouth Borough Council, 01202 454668.
Tracey Hall, Public Relations Officer, Dorset Police, 01305 223780.
Martin Baker
Directgov