Camera fear
A SPEED camera on a busy Paisley road is set to be deactivated and bagged in a move that has sparked concern among elected members.
Safety Cameras Scotland has confirmed the enforcement equipment on Gleniffer Road will be made ‘ dormant’ after examining collisions at the site and finding they have not been linked to the speed of vehicles.
The unit, which operates within Police Scotland, said the “primary factor” in incidents was the “topography” of the road and visibility at junctions.
It added that a review showed driver behaviour has improved at the location, with an average speed of 28mph being recorded just below the 30mph limit.
However, politicians have questioned the decision, with Councillor Stephen Burns, an SNP representative for Paisley Southwest, raising concerns.
Councillor Burns, who recently visited the location with party colleagues Councillor Lorraine Cameron and Councillor Bruce MacFarlane, said: “We’re not happy about this.
“We will be speaking to the council to see if it can put any measures in its place to address road safety in this area.
“The kids use it as a shortcut when they are coming back and forward from Gleniffer High School. Not to mention, the road is often used as a race circuit at night.”
If speeds are shown to increase during or after a three- year period, the bag will be removed and the camera will recommence enforcement.
However, if surveys show drivers are travelling within the limit the camera will be removed from the ground, as well as its signage.
Alan Bowater, unit manager for the west, said: “We are conscious that this process can cause concern both from locally elected members and from the wider community, however, we can assure you that we have followed strict internal guidelines in coming to these decisions.
“Safety Cameras Scotland are duty bound to cease enforcement where the casualty data no longer supports our presence.
“Where sites are going into dormancy, we will continue to monitor speeds and crash statistics and if there is an unexpected upturn enforcement will recommence.”
A timeline for when deactivation will take place is not yet known.