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Changes at Dorset Road Safe
It seems DRS will be reducing the number of fixed speed cameras and increasing
the number of mobile cameras. If the mobile cameras are deployed where they are
likely to detect dangerous speeding it could be a step in the right direction.
“Dorset Road Safe is looking to increase mobile
camera operations which will allow for greater flexibility in targeting areas
with high collision rates and also in working with communities whose lives are
impacted by speeding vehicles.”
So a complete change from the past, when it seemed
that deliberate targeting of the safest areas in order to achieve highest
possible fine counts, and completely ignoring the complaints of the effected
communities against them, were the main objectives and achievements.
Do we believe it? Until DRS admit that it has been
badly misguided in the past and will now focus on the real problems on the road
instead of setting up operations like the greed on green, I don't think we will.
If it happens, it will be progress, although there
is no indication that other dangerous and incompetent driving will be targeted,
which is what is desperately needed.
We look forward to seeing the detail and hope for
much improved policing on the roads in Dorset, although more is needed than
announced by DRS so far. The release is sickeningly titled “Continuing Support
for Safety Cameras in Dorset”
Incredibly, Poole and Bourenmouth councils, and Dorset Road Safe, refused to
comment to the BBC on the release. As pointed out by a supporter, "at least it's
not just the general public who get no answers from their elected
representatives, but the local media ask in vain as well!" See
DorsetSpeed on BBC South
Full release text:
14 September 2010
NEWS RELEASE
Continuing Support for Safety Cameras in Dorset
The three local authorities in Dorset have committed
to supporting the continuation of Dorset Road Safe and have dedicated funds
available through the Local Transport Plan. As a result of the reduction in
funding for road safety recently announced by central government, it has been
necessary for Bournemouth Borough Council Dorset County Council and Borough of
Poole to review their funding of Dorset Road Safe.
A comprehensive review of all operations conducted
by Dorset Road Safe has recently been undertaken. As part of that review, a
decision has been made to reduce the number of fixed camera sites operated
across Dorset. However, Dorset Road Safe is looking to increase mobile camera
operations which will allow for greater flexibility in targeting areas with high
collision rates and also in working with communities whose lives are impacted by
speeding vehicles.
Dorset Road Safe and its partners have always been
committed to the three strand approach to road safety of education, engineering
and enforcement. As such Dorset Road Safe will continue to analyse collisions
and driver behaviour data to maintain an 'intelligence led' approach to road
safety. Handling of media enquiries and Freedom of Information (FoI) requests
will also continue.Dorset Road Safe will continue to be a leading partner in
delivering safer roads in Dorset for all road users.
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