Debate rages among drivers over 15 new traffic cameras
HEATED debate has been raging among Derby motorists in response to news about 15 new traffic fine cameras being installed in city streets.
Derby City Council is taking the measures to toughen up enforcement in a number of locations, putting drivers who disobey the rules at greater risk of getting fined.
The local authority has obtained Government permission to use cameras to enforce moving traffic restrictions, including illegal turns, no entry restrictions and the School Safe Haven zones.
The new Roadflow Attended technology cameras are already in place in four areas, having been put up on Tuesday.
One of the cameras has been positioned at the junction of Friar Gate, Ford Street, and Stafford Street, to enforce illegal turn restrictions.
Three others are in place to enforce the no entry restrictions in Darley Park Drive, Darley Abbey; at the junction of Valley Road in South Avenue, Littleover; and in Sitwell Street and Chapel Street, in Spondon.
The cameras to enforce the School Safe Haven zones will be put up next
month, ready for the new academic year starting in September. These will be installed near schools in Darley Abbey, Littleover, Sinfin, Alvaston, Mickleover and Rose Hill.
Debate has been raging among city drivers since the Derby Telegraph reported it on Thursday’s front page. Opinions are clearly divided, with one driver branding the new cameras “disgusting”, but another arguing that they provide “a deterrent to the foolish action of the irresponsible motorist”.
One commenter posting claimed it was a bad time to introduce the new cameras amid rising fuel prices and the cost of living increasing
generally. The comment from ‘BBGram’ read: “More motorists penalisation, £2 a litre for fuel, speed cameras and enforcement cameras sprouting out of every street corner, where does it ever end?”
Lizzie Bayes, who posted on our Facebook page about the issue, was in agreement. She said: “Yes, that’s right when everybody is struggling to find the money to live let’s try and catch drivers out.”
Also unhappy with the council’s new enforcement tactics was another online commenter, who said: “It’s disgusting, just ripping the people off! Which party voted for this as I will never vote for them again.
More misery on people!”
Several people did however side with the council on the issue, including Andy Sharpe. Backing up the local authority, he commented on Facebook to say: “All this moaning about traffic enforcement cameras. There wouldn’t be a problem if drivers respected and abided by the law, Highway Code and local by-laws, would there?”
Online commenter ‘Leevanman’ was in agreement with Andy’s viewpoint, adding: “Speed cameras offer a deterrent to the foolish action of the irresponsible motorist, if you break the law then you pay for it from your pocket which is always better than a young child with their life.”
Councillor Steve Hassall, cabinet member for regeneration, decarbonisation, strategic planning and transportation said: “The council is delighted to be among the first group to be given these new powers.
“The public engagement exercises demonstrated that there was an overwhelming amount of support from residents who are keen for the Council to tackle inconsiderate drivers on our roads and the associated dangerous or antisocial behaviour that comes with it.
“Receiving powers to use cameras for offence previously enforced by the police will make a really positive impact on increasing road safety and will be used when education and engineering has failed to achieve driver behaviour change, meaning enforcement is a proportionate response.”
More locations around the city will be considered and residents can email Movingtrafficenforcement@ derby.gov.uk with any locations where they feel enforcement would be beneficial.
Readers have already been getting in touch with their suggestions, including Jane Shreeve. She said: “Wish they would do something about the parking on Maple Drive Chellaston. A lot of double parking, pavement parking, engines running in winter for heater, now for aircon (in summer).”
Chris Burrows believes something should be done about Burton Road, in Littleover, which he describes as being “like a car park at some times of the day.”
Linda McCann however had a suggestion for a new School Safe Haven zone location outside a Darley Abbey school in Duffield Road. She commented to say: “Put them outside St Benedict’s at the bus stop.”