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Journal series puts speed cameras under the spotlight

The Journal in Newcastle is to put speed cameras under the spotlight in a series of articles assessing whether they are effective safety devices or just an extra source of Government revenue.

The paper has joined forces with the AA to examine all 39 of Northumbria’s fixed cameras and will be printing its findings over a 13-day period.

Readers will be asked to vote on whether or not they think each camera is an essential safety device.

Journal editor Brian Aitkin said: “We decided to take [transport secretary] Alistair Darling at his word and take a look at every single fixed camera.

“We sat down with the AA and discussed our objectives and aims to assess whether each camera was an essential safety device or a revenue generator.

“For each camera we have looked at the speed limit, the placing of the camera, how long it’s been there and the accident rate before and after.”

Brian said despite Northumbria having 39 cameras, Durham does not have any and yet he is not aware of any noticeable difference in the accident rate.

He said: “It’s struck a chord with readers. Within the first hour of being in the office this morning we had a dozen people ring in which is amazing.”

As well as calling for a response from Alistair Darling, the Journal will also be campaigning for the money raised from speed cameras in the area to be used on improvements to local roads.

Brian said his idea for the series came after he was ticketed for speeding.

He said: “I assumed it was a 50mph speed limit and had not noticed it was 30. I was doing about 37 or 38 – there was an industrial estate to the right and no houses so I was wondering why it should be a 30 limit.

“I had a grumble about it and it seemed everyone had a grumble or was irritated by speed cameras saying a lot of them didn’t seem to make sense.

“We’ve been planning the series for a couple of months. We wanted to do it right and be seen to be responsible. It’s not about getting fast drivers off the hook but it’s about asking basic questions like ‘what is the Government’s strategy on this?'”

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