Speed camera switch-on is postponed

THE big switch-on of Birmingham’s new speed cameras was cancelled at the last minute after bad weather hindered work.

Eight new cameras in the city and Solihull were set to be switched on last week, but that has had to be postponed after summer showers made testing impossible.

The average speed cameras will now be activated on August 8 instead. It will be a landmark day, more than three years after West Midlands Police turned off fixed cameras to save money.

Councillor Stewart Stacey, cabinet member for transport and roads at Birmingham City Council, said: “The terrible weather we have been having this summer has prevented our contractors fitting and testing all of the equipment needed for the switch-on.

“We now hope to be ready for August 8 but, in the meantime, I would remind motorists of the need to drive within the speed limits set by law to keep our roads safe for everyone.”

The new cameras are the result of a partnership between the city council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, West Midlands Police and the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The cameras have been welcomed by road safety campaigners – but the RAC said they were unpopular with drivers.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “It is often argued that fixed cameras create their own problems and can create a stop-start type of driving caused by sudden braking.

“The RAC’s Report On Motoring revealed that 77 per cent of motorists believe speed cameras are more about raising money than improving road safety.

“But it also found that speed limit compliance has improved in recent years, probably due to motorists driving slower to conserve fuel.”