First average speed cameras in Bradford District installed on busy road
It is hoped the cameras on Bingley Bypass will stop motorists from “racing up and down” the street, an issue that has long plagued this stretch of road.
The long awaited £230,000 scheme has seen see the cameras installed between Cottingley and Keighley – along Sir Fred Hoyle Way and Airevalley Road.
Rather than catch motorists speeding on one particular moment, the cameras work out the average speed of each vehicle as is passes over the road.
The scheme also involves reducing the speed limit along the entire stretch – from the roundabout at Cottingley through to the roundabout by Marley Stadium in Keighley[1] – to a constant 50mph.
This speed limit reduction had come in part due to calls from West Yorkshire[2] Police.
Funding for the work came from the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement following a successful bid from Bradford Council.
There have been calls for more to be done to tackle dangerous driving on this stretch of road for years.
In late 2023, one driver was caught by police after reaching 115 mph on the road.
As well as the danger posed by these reckless drivers, the noise from the speeding cars has also caused disturbances for people living near the road.
Councillor Marcus Dearden (Lab, Bingley) has campaigned for more to be done to tackle the issue, and recently retained his seat in the Bingley ward.
After the average speed cameras were installed he said: “It’s good to see work has begun on the installation of the average speed cameras, which are the first of their kind across the Bradford district.
“To get the funding for this scheme shows Bingley District Councillors are being listened to.
“Since being elected in 2021, residents have consistently raised their concerns regarding speeding and noise pollution on the bypass.
“The average speed check cameras are the ideal deterrent and will help to stop the racing up and down the bypass which wakes people In the early hours of the morning.”
Last Summer, Leeds City Council installed the first permanent average-speed cameras in West Yorkshire, which are now located on the A6120 Outer Ring Road and the A647 Stanningley Bypass.
A speed limit reduction from 70mph to 50mph was also introduced on that stretch of road.