New average speed cameras to go live on major Lancashire road next week

A new set of average speed cameras will go live on a major Lancashire[1] road from next week. Lancashire Police said it is part of their continuing work to reduce casualties on the region's roads. The new route is along the A6 in Lancaster[2], starting from Galgate, just off J33 of the M6[3], through to the Pointer roundabout, near Lancaster Hospital.

Formal enforcement will begin on Monday (January 27) following 'successful installation'. Police bosses said the speed limit will vary between 30mph and 50mph on the four-mile route.

Signage is already in place to advise motorists when the speed limit changes. The cameras will use number plate recognition technology to detect vehicles and calculate their average speed by measuring the time taken to travel between fixed points.

Police said introduction of the system is intended to 'positively influence driver behaviour' and ensure that motorists 'comply with the speed limits, resulting in a safer environment[4] for all road users'.

Those who breach the speed limit will be given, where eligible, the opportunity to attend a speed awareness course to learn about the dangers of speeding, or a conditional offer of a fixed penalty (currently GBP100 and three penalty points). For higher speeds the matter will be referred to the magistrates' court[5]. Superintendent Matt Willmot, of our Specialist Operations department, said: "Speeding is one of the top five causes of serious or fatal collisions, known as the 'fatal five', and is something we take extremely seriously.

Speed was identified as a major factor in incidents which have occurred along this route.

"By installing these cameras, we aim to ensure motorists comply with the speed limit, which will help reduce casualties.

There are currently nine routes covered by average speed cameras in Lancashire and the results from those speak for themselves - a reduction in collisions of up to 86 per cent."

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References

1. ^ Lancashire (www.lancs.live)
2. ^ Lancaster (www.lancs.live)
3. ^ the M6 (www.lancs.live)
4. ^ environment (www.lancs.live)
5. ^ court (www.lancs.live)
6. ^ Subscribe to our daily newsletter LANCS LIVE NEWS and get all the biggest stories from across Lancashire direct to your inbox (www.lancs.live)