‘New traffic camera will save lives’
DERBY residents have been thrilled by the addition of a new traffic camera near the entrance to their one way street, saying that it will improve the safety of the “dangerous” road where they say someone could be killed.
The new Roadflow Attended Technology camera is one of many installed by Derby City Council that enforce moving traffic restrictions, including illegal turns, no entry restrictions and school safe zones. This comes after a group of locals had resorted to putting up their own homemade camera warning sign.
Judie Bate, who is in her 70s, is a former science teacher and lecturer. She has lived on Darley Park Drive, right next to the Darley Park car park, for 30 years.
She says: “It’s an excellent idea. People totally ignore the one-way system. At half seven to half eight people are flying through here.
“We pull out from our drive and stop. They mount the pavement to pass you. Cyclists with children with them are shown that it’s ok to go down the wrong way.
“There’s a clear arrow marking the area. I hope the camera will catch people coming out of the car park.
“There’s also people parking on the side and people can’t pass. It’s got considerably worse over the years. A group of neighbours and I even had to put up a homemade camera sign.”
Judie’s neighbour, Rosemary Beresford, said of the new camera: “It’s very good. People come down
here looking to take a shortcut through the one-way system. Someone’s going to be killed because they can’t see whether anyone is coming the other way. People often pull out and come the wrong way out of the car park.”
Jean Whittaker, a retired TV producer who used to work on programmes such as Shameless and drama Peak Practice, has lived on the street with her husband, a cameraman, until he died six years ago.
She said: “My husband used to stand outside the front of the house and send photographs of people going the wrong way to the police.
“They would fine people on the spot. That used to keep it down for a while. But police now have got bigger things to do. It’s not as bad as it was, but it’s still dangerous.
“The new camera might also stop people speeding. Blue BMWs whizz past, their drivers probably have had a drink or three. Fines are fair if it stops people getting killed, especially a child.”
A Derby City Council spokesperson said: “The No Entry restriction was introduced in July 2020 following a public consultation in response to issues raised by residents and visitors to Spondon. The aim of the scheme was to remove traffic conflict at the junction and improve the space for pedestrians at the White Swan corner, and has always included access for cyclists.
“It also allowed the footway to be widened, improving access for pedestrians, especially those using mobility scooters or pushchairs.
“Residents of Oxford Street and Gladstone Street can now leave in either direction from the no entry point, although, as before, they need to be mindful of the narrow road.
“Satellite navigation companies were notified of the change at the time and, while there might be issues if individuals’ software hasn’t been updated, the restriction is in place on the most popular online route planners.
“The camera was installed as part of the council’s adoption of new Government powers to enforce moving traffic violations. The council cabinet agreed in October 2021 to test a small number of sites, including Chapel Street in Spondon.
“As part of a sensitive introduction, it was agreed that cameras would be installed first to monitor levels of non-compliance, with warning notices issued for a period of time. This approach has since been supported by the Government and is now a condition for other local governments seeking new legal powers.”