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Reference Library / Speed Cameras

New police speed cameras go live on Scotland’s NC500 – don’t get caught out…

NC500 visitors have been slapped with a fresh warning after the first average speed cameras were installed along the popular tourist route.

Police Scotland[1] have introduced the first cameras on a 10-mile stretch of the A836.

The NC500 has become a beacon for dangerous driving

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The NC500 has become a beacon for dangerous drivingCredit: Getty
Locals have been complaining that they see near misses nearly every day on the route

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Locals have been complaining that they see near misses nearly every day on the routeCredit: Alamy
Average speed cameras have been introduced on the A836, between Reay and Thurso

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Average speed cameras have been introduced on the A836, between Reay and ThursoCredit: Getty

Cameras have been introduced between Reay and Thurso, and will cover the dangerous Forss straight.

Locals and visitors had complained about near misses in the area.

And the long-awaited calls for safety measures are finally being answered with a police crackdown as the new cameras go live from today, September 2.

Average speed cameras have been operational on the A9 since 2014.

speed concerns[2] and increased traffic volumes”.

Average speed cameras measure speed between two points, making it more challenging for drivers to avoid punishment for breaking speeding laws.

The cameras will run on renewable energy, including the use of solar panels.

And on Monday, those cameras went live for the first time.

Police Scotland’s North Safety Camera Unit say the use of renewable energy[3] allows cameras to be installed in more rural areas – where it would previously have been impossible.

NC500 Villagers Outraged by Tourist Behaviour

Unit manager Eric Dunion said: “Our priority is firmly focused on helping to reduce road casualties and improving road safety by slower motorists down and making them think about their driving behaviours.

With drivers able to take in the stunning sights of the Scottish Highlands, the NC500 has become a bucket-list destination for many tourists.

But some drivers have been taking advantage of the long and often open roads.

Just two months ago two Swedish visitors were charged[4] with dangerous driving along the Highland route.

In May, another driver in a Porsche was alleged to have reached speeds of over 140mph[5] on the A832, at Achanalt.

References

  1. ^ Police Scotland (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  2. ^ speed concerns (thesun.slack.com)
  3. ^ renewable energy (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  4. ^ charged (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  5. ^ speeds of over 140mph (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)

Reference Library / Speed Cameras

NC500 visitors warned as speed cameras to be introduced on busy stretch of tourist route…

NC500 tourists have been warned as new speed cameras are set to go live on a popular stretch of road.

The technology will be set up on the A836 between Reay and Thurso in the Highlands.

Speed cameras are set to be operational on a stretch of the NC500 within days

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Speed cameras are set to be operational on a stretch of the NC500 within daysCredit: Alamy
Locals and visitors have raised concerns over speeding on the 516-mile route in recent years

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Locals and visitors have raised concerns over speeding on the 516-mile route in recent yearsCredit: Getty

The average speed cameras will also cover the notorious Forss straight.

The accident blackspot has sparked concerns over road safety in recent years, with campaigners calling for action to help curb collisions.

The area was picked out as having “speed concerns and increased traffic volumes” which pose safety challenges, according to Police Scotland Safety Cameras.

The temporary cameras will go live on Monday.

Swedish tourists were charged[1] over alleged dangerous driving.

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In May, a Porsche[2] driver was accused of speeding over 140mph[3] on the A832 at Achanalt.

Eric Dunion, North Safety Camera Unit manager, said: “Our priority is firmly focused on helping to reduce road casualties and improving road safety by slower motorists down and making them think about their driving behaviours.

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“The introduction of these new temporary cameras on the A836 will hopefully do just that.

“Monthly speed surveys will be carried out to monitor vehicle speeds and traffic volumes and to help determine our continued deployment strategy.”

The cameras will be the first in Scotland to be powered by renewables, with a combination of solar and bio-methanol sources.

The initiative involves Police Scotland’s[4] North Safety Camera Unit, Scottish Safety Camera Programme and Highland Council.

References

  1. ^ Swedish tourists were charged (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  2. ^ Porsche (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  3. ^ accused of speeding over 140mph (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)
  4. ^ Police Scotland’s (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)