Speed camera flashes motorists nearly 10 times a day on average

Data obtained through Freedom of Information laws by the Oxford Mail reveal that 9,077 drivers have been caught at 35mph since June 2017.  And since that month, 28,045 tickets have been sent to motorists caught exceeding the speed limit.  Botley Road, which runs from West Way near the A34 to Oxford train station, has two speed cameras installed in both directions.

READ MORE: Police warn of criminal offence for painting England flags[1] The speed limit is 30mph although that could change in the near future as the highways authority Oxfordshire County Council[2] looks to impose a city 20mph limit.  Thames Valley Police's data has revealed that so far this year, there have been 809 speeding offences clocked in Botley Road. 

This is close to last year's number, at 1,096, but less than half of what was recorded in 2023 at 2,009.  But this is a far cry away from 2018's record-breaking 9,095 drivers flashed by the speed cameras, where it works out the cameras flashed almost 25 times a day.  The highest speed recorded in Botley Road was by a Volvo on July 10 last year at 86mph, almost three times the 30mph speed limit. 

Susanna Pressel (Image: Newsquest) Susanna Pressel, the ward councillor for Osney & St Thomas, said she gets lots of complaints about speeding in Botley Road, saying it "affects the quality" of residents' lives. She said complaints often come from parents walking their children to school.

Ms Pressel warned: "Please take care. "I know that fast traffic[3] does put off some people from cycling or from allowing their children to cycle. "From the data we can see that enforcement does work: the figures have come down over the years, which is excellent, but speeding traffic is unfortunately still a problem.

"I raise it with the police regularly, but it is clear that there are not enough traffic police. "I organised a very popular petition many years ago asking for a 20mph speed limit in Botley Road. We were promised that we would get one, and it's a great shame that we are still waiting."

David Henwood (Image: Oxford Mail) David Henwood said the 9,000 people caught at 35mph indicates "most residents and visitors are observing national speed limits in built up areas". The shadow cabinet member for transport management said reducing the speed limit to 20mph should be challenged and questioned whether it is money well spent.

"I would much prefer to a variable speed cameras at either end monitoring national speed limits, that are linked to the traffic light system, triggering red national speed limits are ignored," he said. "This in turn would change driving behaviours without penalising drivers, and why not go a step further and reward those drivers with insurance recommendations and discounts to further reward good driving." Robin Tucker (Image: Submitted)

Robin Tucker, co-chair of CoHSAT (Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel), described the figures as "disappointing".

He added: "However, the data does show a distinct improvement from the traffic reductions we have seen from Covid, the Thames Water roadworks and the closure for Network Rail's bridge works, showing that reduced traffic means less danger for other users."

He called for a 20mph speed limit to be extended to Botley Road.

References

1. ^ Police warn of criminal offence for painting England flags (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
2. ^ Oxfordshire County Council (www.oxfordshire.gov.uk)
3. ^ traffic (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)