New speed camera praised for highlighting city suburb’s ‘racer’ problem

Neighbours say that the SAM2 camera which has been installed in Townhouse Road have already worked in slowing down speeding drivers. SAM cameras are used to warn motorists if they are going over the speed limit (Image: Ormesby St Margaret with Scratby Parish Council) David Stolworthy, who lives in the area, said: "We have been plagued with 'racers' for years.

"Just recently while waiting for the bus we witnessed several vehicles going well over the 30mph limit and one at 52mph, and that vehicle was braking before being detected, so many thanks for the new camera." READ MORE: Expensive 'stumbling block' stands between village and safer new junction[1] Another highlighted its necessity: "We take our lives in our hands trying to turn into Shallowbrook Lakes coming from Townhouse Road.

The equipment is installed in Townhouse Road and soon in Norwich Road to monitor speeds (Image: Google) "I would say that over 90pc of drivers are doing 40mph or more around that bend and most are partly over the wrong side of the road too." A SAM2 speed camera is a vehicle-activated sign that displays the speed of a vehicle as it approaches, however, it cannot issue fines or tickets.

READ MORE: Flood warning for Norfolk Broads with string of alerts issued[2] It will be located in Townhouse Road for four weeks in total before being moved to another area, such as Norwich Road in December. Jenny McCloskey, a councillor on Costessey Town Council, was instrumental in having the camera funded and installed.

She said: "The speeding data collected can be given to the police and Norfolk County Council highways department." Costessey councillors Jenny McCloskey and Ross Wheeldon were involved in the camera's installation (Image: Newsquest/Facebook) This may be used to implement other restrictions in the future, such as a speed camera or humps which help to reduce speeding incidences. 

Fellow Costessey councillor Ross Wheeldon added that the SAM2 camera is not a permanent solution but the "first step" in identifying problem areas so they can be addressed by officials in the future.

In Chedgrave, a similar setup recorded more than 4,000 vehicles driving faster than the speed limit in just one month[3]. 

References

1. ^ Expensive 'stumbling block' stands between village and safer new junction (www.eveningnews24.co.uk)
2. ^ Flood warning for Norfolk Broads with string of alerts issued (www.eveningnews24.co.uk)
3. ^ driving faster than the speed limit in just one month (www.becclesandbungayjournal.co.uk)