Frustrations aired over A41 speed cameras study
John Campion, the elected Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, allocated a six-figure sum to fund the scheme along the A41. But he has now spoken out about a report jointly commissioned by Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council, to investigate a 30-mile stretch of the road, saying it did not support the scheme. However, Telford & Wrekin Council said the scheme has not been rejected and that it would welcome average speed camera.
Mr Campion said: "I am incredibly disappointed that, after three years, the councils' report does not support the greater use of technology on this road. "I welcome the limited engineering improvements that have been delivered, however the report highlights that there is more to do. "I am calling on the councils, as the relevant highway authorities, to ensure that this happens without further delay.
I cannot help but wonder how many crashes could have been prevented if action had been taken sooner." The A41 was identified, following a review of possible sites by West Mercia Police, based on collision data and community concerns. The road was found in recent years to have experienced a high rate of fatal incidents compared to the national average.
The funding, which was allocated in 2022, was contingent on the outcome of a route study led by the councils, which has now shown that there is "no clear justification for the use of average speed cameras on the A41". It was originally said to be worth ?600,000, but last week Mr Campion put the figure at ?400,000.
TRANSPORT NEWS:
A spokesperson for Telford & Wrekin Council said no decision has been made about the route and further investigations are required. They added: "The council is meeting with the PCC to discuss the findings of the report.
No decisions regarding average speed cameras have been made and the council has not rejected plans for the use of average speed cameras on the A41, in fact we would welcome the installation and it is unfortunate that the PCC has taken this decision without speaking with the council. "We believe collaboration is vital to delivering meaningful improvements that improve road safety for all road users and would be delighted to see the cameras installed using the ?600,000 originally allocated. "The report recommends further analysis in key locations, which may justify an intervention alongside the inclusion of a new mobile safety camera location and any work associated with this will be funded and delivered by the council.
"Speed camera funding, installation, and maintenance remains the responsibility of the PCC and we welcome any investment in Telford and Wrekin which will build on our ongoing efforts to enhance safety along the A41."
Shropshire Council was approached for a comment.