Work is due to start next week on upgrades to fixed speed cameras at several locations in Staffordshire to improve road safety.
The initial phase, which relates to 20 cameras and will take several weeks to complete, will see digital equipment replace the current fixed safety cameras, making it quicker to capture and receive images of those who travel above the relevant speed limit.
The sites included in the initial phase have been selected based on long-term data which confirms that the cameras have been very effective in reducing road traffic collisions.
The new technology, funded by the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership, uses a radar device to accurately measure the speed of each vehicle that passes the camera. The cameras will automatically send high quality images of any vehicles exceeding the speed limit to the partnership’s enforcement team where they will be verified and used as evidence for a road traffic offense.
One of the improvements of the new technology is that it doesn’t require lines to be painted on the road. Instead, a secondary check is undertaken using a digitally applied line on the offence images. This will improve the efficiency of the secondary check which ensures only valid offenses are progressed.
Inspector Mark Joynson, of the force’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Speed limits are really important for road safety as the speed a vehicle travels at is a major contributor to the outcome if someone is involved in a road traffic collision.
“The installation of the new technology will make it easier to check speeds across Staffordshire and we hope they will provide a visual reminder of the work we do every day to keep all road users as safe as possible.”
Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Helen Fisher, co-Chairs the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership alongside Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams.
Helen said: “Keeping Staffordshire’s roads safe is a key priority for myself and the Commissioner.
“Sadly, too many people continue to die or suffer serious injuries on our roads, with devastating consequences for their families, friends and communities.
“Speed is one of the main factors in fatal road accidents, and an ongoing concern for many of our communities. This investment in new technology will make it easier to identify those breaking the law and help to reduce road accidents.”
The image shows two photographs taken a set time apart with the overlaid digital red line markings. The red box in the second image shows where the rear tyre of the car is expected to be if the calculated speed of 35mph is correct.
The SSRP aims to achieve a long-term, sustained reduction in road traffic collisions through joint work by partners including Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire County Council and National Highways. 
. The lack of lane discipline and general lack of driving skills in many is a far bigger issue than speeding.
