Staffordshire’s old speed cameras being quietly replaced by 20 ‘smart’ ones

Twenty new ‘smart’ speed cameras are to be deployed on some of the busiest roads in Staffordshire. The state-of-the-art devices have already been installed on several A roads in Stoke-on-Trent where speeding has been a persistent issue.

The routes include Hanley’s Potteries Way, the A53 Leek New Road and A34 Newcastle Road, Trent Vale. The new technology utilises radar devices for accurate speed measurement and will automatically send high-quality images of offending vehicles to the enforcement team.

A total of 20 old ones are being replaced with the new tech, which uses a radar device to actively measure the speed of each vehicle, instead of needing to use white lines you see painted on the road.

The selected locations for the new cameras has been based on ‘robust’ long-term data where traditional cameras have had a significant impact on decreasing crashes.

Inspector Mark Joynson, from Staffordshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Speed limits are really important for road safety as the speed a vehicle travels at is a major contributor to the outcome if someone is involved in a road traffic collision.”

Further emphasising the benefits of this tech upgrade, he added: “The installation of the new technology will make it easier to check speeds across Staffordshire and we hope they will provide a visual reminder of the work we do every day to keep all road users as safe as possible.”

Speed camera locations and numbers caught so far this year

• A34 Newcastle Road, Trent Vale – 1,087
• A5008 Potteries Way, Hanley – 311
• A53 Leek New Road, Baddeley Green and Stockton Brook – 249

• A449 Wolverhampton Road, Stafford – 161

Helen Fisher, Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, said: “Keeping Staffordshire’s roads safe is a key priority for myself and the Commissioner. Sadly, too many people continue to die or suffer serious injuries on our roads, with devastating consequences for their families, friends and communities.

“Speed is one of the main factors in fatal road accidents, and an ongoing concern for many of our communities. This investment in new technology will make it easier to identify those breaking the law and help to reduce road accidents.”

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