MOBILE CAMERA TO TACKLE SPEEDERS IN BLACKWOOD
From the beginning of April 2007, a mobile camera speed enforcement unit will be operating periodically on the B7078 in Blackwood, South Lanarkshire, to slow down traffic on this road which has seen 21 personal injury crashes since 2002.
The camera unit is being introduced as a result of consultation with the roads department and traffic management police. Eight of the crashes in recent years have involved serious or fatal injuries and there is a high incidence of speeding through the village.
Sergeant Colin Pearson of the Strathclyde Safety Camera Partnership, which operates the cameras, commented: “Speeding is seen to be a serious problem in Blackwood. We are not out to catch motorists but we do want to deter drivers from speeding and thereby reduce accidents and casualties. There are warning signs in place to alert drivers to the presence of the camera van and to curtail their speed.“
Mick Halligan of South Lanarkshire Council said, I am delighted that road safety in this area is to be enhanced through the operation of a safety camera. This is good news for the local residents who have been concerned for some time at the speed of some motorists. Far too many drivers travel at excessive speed on the road through the village despite there being two schools situated along the way. I very much hope that drivers will take heed of the warning to reduce their speed and help to avoid future accidents.