Police install speed cameras along accident hotspots the A32 and …

30/05/2023

Following the death of a motorcyclist between Petersfield and West Meon Hut on Wednesday, May 24, PCC Donna Jones has announced the installation of eight new average speed cameras along the A32 and A272.

The Meon Valley roads are known for excessive motorbike noise and speeding which has had a detrimental impact on people’s lives.

The PCC set aside £677,000 from the Safer Roads Reserve, which is revenue generated from speed camera fines, at the beginning of the year to improve safety across the county.

MPs, councillors and parish councillors have consistently expressed their concerns over the dangerous roads on behalf of Meon Valley residents.

PCC Donna Jones said: “I know the constabulary has always invested significant time and resources into speeding enforcement on these roads because they are high casualty roads, but due to limited technology, capturing offending motorists and motorcyclists, up until now, has been difficult.

“The cameras will provide 24/7 permanent digital enforcement for the police, making it easier to identify offending motorists and take action against those who are driving dangerously.

“Targeted police operations in marked and unmarked vehicles will continue, specifically the use of high-speed police motorbikes which I also invested in last year to bolster the police response.

“As commissioner, it is so important for me to deliver on reducing crimes that matter to people the most. I have no doubt these cameras will have a positive impact on road safety in the area.”

Roads Policing Unit inspector, Andy Tester, said: “Speeding is one of the ‘fatal five’ causes of serious injury or fatal collisions on our roads and these cameras will act as a deterrent to those who choose to ignore speed limits.

“Our dedicated roads policing officers will continue to patrol these roads, but the addition of these cameras means more speeding motorists will be caught and the highways will be safer for all road users.”

Meon Valley MP, Flick Drummond, said: “Excessive speeding and motorbike noise along the A32 and A272 have been a huge concern for residents and they have endured this anti-social and illegal activity for far too long.

“The installation of new average speed cameras is something residents wanted and something I have campaigned to happen since I was elected.

“I have a few words for the minority of riders and drivers who consider the A32 and A272 their personal racetracks. Fines, penalty points and even a ban from the road await them if they break the law.”

References

^{^} Major Hampshire road remains closed after fatal crash on Wednesday (www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk)
^{^} Teenagers arrested after man’s jaw broken in fight (www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk)