The big switch-on of Birmingham’s new speed cameras has been cancelled at the last minute after bad weather hindered work.
Eight new cameras in the city and Solihull were set to be switched on on Monday, July 18, but that had to be postponed after summer showers made testing impossible.
The average speed cameras will now be turned on on August 8 instead – which will be a landmark day, more than three years after West Midlands Police turned off fixed cameras to save money.
Councillor Stewart Stacey, cabinet member for transport and roads at Birmingham City Council, said: “The terrible weather we have been having this summer has prevented our contractors fitting and testing all of the equipment needed for switch-on on Monday. We now hope to be ready for August 8, but in the meantime, I would remind motorists of the need to drive within the speed limits set by law to keep our roads safe for everyone.”
The eight new cameras will operate at:
- A38 Bristol Road between Priory Road and Speedwell Road – 30mph
- A456 Hagley Road between Portland Road and Lordswood Road – 30mph
- A4540 New John Street between Lucas Circus and Hospital Street – 30mph
- A34 Newtown Row Northbound between New John Street West and Newbury Road – 30mph
- A45 Coventry Road between Berkley Road and Rowland Road/Steyning Road – 40mph
- 425 Lode Lane (between Henley Crescent and Moat Lane) – 30mph
- B4114 Bradford Road / Chester road (in the vicinity of the junction) – 30mph
- A3400 Stratford Road, Hockley Heath – 30mph
They come as part of a partnership between the city council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, West Midlands Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The delay came after technical work, such as calibration, was hindered.
There had been plans to test cameras on routes which are currently being used as diversionary routes during works on the A38 Aston Expressway, as routes would need to be closed for testing, but that was not possible.
The cameras have been welcomed by road safety campaigners – but the RAC said they were unpopular with drivers.
RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “Speed cameras are a familiar feature on the UK road network and are loathed and revered by motorists and road users in equal measure.
Bad driving in Birmingham
“They are undoubtedly effective at making the majority of drivers stick to the speed limit and, in turn, help to improve the safety of motorists and other road users. However it is often argued that fixed cameras create their own problems and can create a stop/start type of driving caused by sudden braking.
“The RAC’s Report on Motoring revealed that 77 per cent of motorists believe that speed cameras are more about raising money than improving road safety. But it also found that speed limit compliance has improved in recent years, probably due to motorists driving slower to conserve fuel.”
