Thousands caught by speed cameras
MORE than 2,000 people were caught speeding within 12 weeks of the introduction of average speed cameras on the Tarleton Bypass, with one driver caught at 101mph.
The cameras went live at the section of the A565 between Southport and Tarleton lights on August 10 and measure speed over the full distance between each one.
The new cameras use number plate recognition technology to detect vehicles and calculate their average speed.
Drivers caught driving too fast face being fined £100 with fixed penalty notices plus three points on their driving licences, with those guilty of higher speeds being summoned to appear in court.
The system is designed to stop people from slowing down for a single camera and then speeding up as soon as they pass it. Despite clear signs along the bypass, around 30 people a day were caught speeding in the first 12 weeks of the cameras going live.
According information revealed by a Freedom of Information request by the Advertiser, 2,358 drivers and motorcycle riders were captured allegedly exceeding the speed limit.
The data covered up to October 31 and worked out as an average of 28 people per day.
The fastest of these was recorded at 101mph – double the 50mph limit.
Plans to install the cameras on the A565 and seven other Lancashire locations were approved by the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership with the hope of reducing the death toll and improving road safety.
The partnership funded the scheme, with Lancashire police now responsible for enforcing the cameras.
A police spokesman said: “The introduction of the system is intended to positively influence driver behaviour and ensure that motorists comply with the set limits on roads, resulting in a safer environment for all road users.”
According to a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Press Association last month, just 13 of Merseyside’s 35 fixed speed cameras were actually operational.