The £1m speed cameras
10,000 drivers fined on danger road in 3 months
NEARLY 10,000 drivers have been caught speeding on one of the county’s ‘most dangerous’ roads since new average speed cameras were installed just three months ago.
New figures exclusively revealed to the Free Press under the Freedom of Information Act show that 9,921 motorists have been caught out since the B6232 Grane Road’s average speed cameras went live last November.
Police said that they were disappointed that the message does not seem to be getting through to slow down. Speeders face a £100 fixed penalty - meaning close to £1m is owed in fines for speeding on the stretch between Holden Place, Haslingden and the M65 junction near Belthorn.
NEARLY 10,000 drivers have been caught speeding on one of the county’s ‘most dangerous’ roads since new average speed cameras were installed.
New figures exclusively revealed to the Free Press under the Freedom of Information Act show that 9,921 motorists have been caught out since the B6232 Grane Road’s average speed cameras went live last November.
And police have admitted they are disappointed the message does not seem to be getting through to drivers to slow down.
Speeders face a £100 fixed penalty and three points on their licence - meaning close to £1m is owed by drivers in penalties for speeding on the stretch between Holden Place, Haslingden and the M65 junction near Belt- horn. Despite this deterrent, the number of drivers caught actually rose from the cameras’ first full month of operation last December, to January, with more than 100 speeding tickets issued per day.
Lancashire police said the scheme is not yet having the effect the force would have desired since going live.
A spokesperson said: “It was hoped the numbers would decrease as they have on other average speed routes where compliance has been very high. We will continue to monitor the situation and take additional action where necessary to make this road safer.”
The cameras - comprising a 50mph limit section and a 30mph limit section - went live on November 6, 2017 following a period of testing.
Worsley ward councillor Ann Kenyon says she thinks the cameras are not acting as a deterrent as some people still do not realise they are in operation.
She said: “Nobody should be speeding. A deterrent has been needed for some time - hopefully to cut down serious accidents.
“People are creatures of habit. I think some people think they’ve not been switched on.”
Coun Kenyon added that she thinks the police should regularly publish the numbers of people getting caught to remind drivers that the cameras are in operation.
Valley comedian Ted Robbins, who has long campaigned against speeding, described the number of drivers caught as ‘massive’.
He said: “It’s a hell of a road and I welcome the cameras. I say ‘drive like you did on your driving test - it could be your son, daughter or dad at risk.”
The road has seen 118 accidents in less than a decade, including a fatal crash witnessed by Ted.
He added: “These things happen and our emergency services deal with it, but few people actually see. It’s horrific.”
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said it was ‘saddening’ to see so many people having been caught so far.
He said: “Only a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death.
“In an ideal world people would observe the speed limit and we wouldn’t be catching them breaking the law.”