Hope new A10 speed cameras will help ‘make Enfield safe again’

TfL was persuaded to install the average speed system through Edmonton after a campaign by the sister of a woman killed while crossing the road in 2024, reports James Cracknell

The A10 in Edmonton and (inset right) Gina's meeting with TfL last year

A new average speed camera system has been launched on the A10 through Edmonton - following a campaign by the sister of a young woman killed while crossing the dual carriageway. Transport for London (TfL) confirmed today (Tuesday 12th) that the long called-for extension of the camera network had now been completed, with hope that the reduction in serious injuries and deaths seen on the A10 north of Southbury Road - which had the same system installed in 2020 - will now be repeated on the section between Southbury and the North Circular. Local people had been calling for the average speed cameras to be installed on the A10 through Edmonton for several years, and a petition launched by Conservative councillor James Hockney gained more than 2,000 signatures in 2023, but TfL at that time refused to spend the money [1] needed.

Tragedy then struck in January 2024, when Laura Sone-Demetrious was killed [2] while walking across the road with her dogs at a pedestrian crossing - with a 17-year-old driver later arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. Laura's sister Gina subsequently launched her own petition [3] last summer calling for a range of road safety measures, including the average speed cameras. As a result, in autumn last year Gina was invited to a meeting with TfL bosses [4], alongside Enfield's London Assembly member Joanne McCartney, to discuss her campaign demands.

TfL finally agreed [5] to install the cameras in February this year and, six months later, has confirmed they are now in place. Gina said: "I would like to thank everyone who has supported my petition. I would also like to thank TfL, Enfield Council and Joanne McCartney for all the help they have given.

The cameras will help to detect vehicle speed and help save lives. This is just the beginning of making our roads safe again." Joanne added: "I am delighted that the new average speed camera system is about to go live on the A10.

After years of hard work, this a huge win for road safety campaigners in the borough. "Thank you to TfL for listening to the concerns of residents, especially the testimony of Gina Sone-Demetrious in memory of her sister Laura. Gina's bravery, strength, and compassion in the face of such tragedy is commendable.

"Residents can now be assured of not only their own safety along the A10, but also that of their community and loved ones." The average speed camera system replaces the 'spot speed' cameras previously in place on the A10 through Edmonton. Since the same approach was north of Southbury Road five years ago, collisions involving death or serious injury have reduced from seven (in 2019) to three (in 2021 and 2022) and just two in 2023 and 2024.

Other road safety measures that have been brought in recently include new lane markings on the A10 and a court injunction [6] prohibiting 'car cruising' across Enfield, which the council secured in partnership with the Metropolitan Police. The injunction provides powers of arrest and the potential for criminal sanctions, including imprisonment. The first convictions for breaching the injunction were secured in June with two men fined GBP10,000 for "street racing"[7] in Clay Hill.

The council is also now proposing to introduce 20mph speed limits on residential streets and roads in town centres as part of its wider plan to make the borough safer, while the Met is working with the council to secure volunteers for community and junior road watch initiatives, where local residents and primary school children work alongside local police teams and use speed detection equipment to identify speeding vehicles Lilli Matson, TfL's chief safety, health and environment officer, said: "Working alongside the local borough and the Met we have introduced a range of measures to tackle speeding, car meets, anti-social driving and racing along the A10. "Speed camera enforcement is a key part of this, and we are also pleased to see that Enfield Council has now successfully taking its first court enforcement action against 'car cruising' meets across the borough.

"Breaking the speed limit is illegal and dangerous, with devastating consequences across London, and we are determined to ensure that roads are safe for everyone in the capital." Superintendent David Bradley, who leads policing in Enfield, said: "Our roads and transport officers and safer neighbourhoods team continue to crack down on illegal meets. "Recent operations have resulted in several arrests, the seizure of vehicles and court issued fines for breach of the borough wide injunction.

"By working with partners, TfL and Enfield council, I hope this will reassure residents that we are taking action to deter those who drive dangerously and cause such harm." And council leader Ergin Erbil added: "Creating a safer and cleaner Enfield is our priority, so we welcome the extension of average-speed cameras that have been installed along the southern section of the A10 from Southbury Road towards Edmonton. This is something we have been campaigning for, for a long time, and we know how much this means to our communities who live around this area of the A10.

"We will no longer tolerate drivers who ignore speeding laws and think they can use our roads as a race track. "Tackling antisocial behaviour like speeding and car meets is a key priority for the council. Together we can all build a safer Enfield for everyone."

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