Speed Camera Unit
Excess speed is one of the major causations in road casualties and as such speed enforcement is an essential tool of any casualty reduction strategy.
As part of our strategy we have identified specific locations and stretches of road which generate the highest level of casualties to carry out speed enforcement using our Mobile Safety Camera.
As a result of that strategy and others we are on course to meet the challenging '2010' targets set for the reduction of road casualties with Durham.
The areas at which the Safety Camera is currently being deployed in support of the speed enforcement strategy and the '2010' targets are as follows:
- A690 West Rainton
- A693 Chester Road, Stanley
- Woodhouse Lane/Etherly Lane, Bishop Auckland
- Finchale Road/Pit Lane, Durham
- Essington Way, Peterlee
- McMullen Road, Darlington
- A690, Willington
- B6168 Flint Hill to New Kyo
- A1086 Coast Road, Horden/Blackhall
- A167 North Road, Darlington
- A167 Merryoaks to Sniperly
- B6280 Yarm Road
- A66 North Bitts
As well as the above locations the Camera can be used at specific sites that have been subject of complaints, and following consultation and traffic data analysis have been identified as an area that would benefit from the use of the Safety Camera. The use of the Camera is always subject to a risk assessment to ensure that it is safe to use in the location being considered.
Some offenders caught speeding by the Safety Camera exceeding the speed limit may be offered the option to take part in the Speed Awareness diversionary scheme. This will give drivers the option to avoid formal court action. It does however require the driver to attend a course that highlights the dangers of excess speed. It is hoped that the scheme will educate drivers as to dangers posed by excess speed and further reduce casualties by increasing people's awareness of the issue.
As well as the Safety Camera, Roads Policing Officers carry out speed enforcement and a range of other enforcement checks together with driver education options in an effort to reduce road casualties. At the present time if you are stopped for a speeding offence by a Patrol Officer, you will not be offered the option to attend a Speed Awareness Course as an alternative to formal prosecution.
