Mobile speed camera snares danger drivers

SCORES of rogue drivers have been snapped by a new mobile speed camera on a major Northumberland road.

A speed camera enforcement van has been deployed in Powburn, which lies on the busy A697.

It was introduced by Northumbria Police following safety concerns from residents and councillors over the high volume of speeding traffic in the village.

The camera has snared 98 speeding drivers over two days, meaning they could have potentially racked up £9,800 in fines and 294 penalty points.

Six of these motorists were travelling 50mph or over in the 30mph limit so will face an automatic court summons.

Longhoughton councillor Wendy Pattison campaigned tirelessly to get a mobile camera in the village. “I am absolutely delighted for the residents of Powburn,” she said. “Speeding through the village is getting progressively worse and residents have become increasingly concerned, and justifiably so. By reducing the speed of vehicles we will greatly reduce the risk and severity of any potential accidents and make Powburn a safer place for everyone.”

The camera captures footage of drivers travelling both north and south on the road from 20m up to 1km away. It can also catch motorists for other crimes such as not wearing a seat belt, littering and using a mobile phone behind the wheel.

New signage has also been introduced in the village over recent weeks warning drivers that they are entering a 30mph zone.

PC Pete Burke, of Northumbria Police’s camera enforcement unit, said: “We have worked extremely closely with Northumberland County Council and local councillors in assessing this location, discovering as a result that there was a prevalence of vehicles travelling well in excess of the 30mph limit.

“Taking this into account, together with the concerns of the community, the decision was made to commence enforcement as soon as possible.

“It is hoped that the presence of the camera van will become a deterrent, encouraging motorists to be compliant with the speed limit, thus making the village a safer place to live.”

Police said the camera will continue to operate in the village at various times and locations for the foreseeable future.