Jess Hardiman
A new speed camera has managed to detect more than 23,500 speeding drivers before it was even officially switched on - including 1,100 in the first 24 hours alone.
The 20mph speed camera was installed by Plymouth City Council, having become fully operational on Monday 9 May.
Before it was activated, a trial period produced ‘really troubling’ results, with police issuing a warning about the ‘risk of serious or fatal injuries’ that speeding can contribute towards.
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According to Vision Zero South West, a road safety partnership between a number of authorities including Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance NHS Trust, the camera detected more than 1,100 in the first 24 hours of the trial period - a number that, as of 6 May, had jumped up to more than 23,500.
The new camera system on Old Laira Road, Plymouth, was introduced after locals told the council they would rather see an average speed system in place rather than traffic calming measures.
Those caught travelling ‘just over’ the speed limit will be offered an educational course, as along as they have not completed one in the past three years.
However, offences above this threshold will face a £100 fine and three points, or will be sent directly to court for higher speed offences.
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Supt Adrian Leisk, strategic roads policing lead for Devon and Cornwall Police and chair of the Vision Zero enforcement activity group, said: “The results from the cameras’ test period are really troubling and drivers are obviously ignoring the clear 20mph signs in that area.
“Speed is a big contributory factor in serious collisions. Travelling too fast both reduces the time in which a driver can react and increases the risk of serious or fatal injuries in the event of a collision.
“The cameras on Old Laira Road will go live on Monday, May 9 so please take this as advanced warning.”
The camera system was created in response to community concerns over speeding through the area, which has a history of collisions resulting injuries to vulnerable road users.
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Vision Zero South West said the scheme cost £230,000, with £190,000 provided by the Department for Transport’s active travel fund.
A spokesperson for Plymouth City Council added: “We consulted with residents at the end of last year about extending the existing 20mph speed limit.
“They told us they did not want the traffic calming measures we had put forward, but instead wanted average speed cameras. We listened, redesigned the scheme and secured the extra funding needed.
“This scheme is about keeping people safe on a very busy narrow road. Keep your speed down and you won’t get fined.”
The camera has been welcomed in the community, with one resident telling The Sun Online how 'neighbours love it'.
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"The main thing is the noise, everyone on the street loves how much quieter it is."
However, not all locals are so thrilled with the camera being installed, with one resident slamming it as a 'cash cow'.
Carl White, who owns a cafe café owner near Old Laira Road, where the camera was in place, told The Sun Online : “It is an absolute nightmare, the limit is dangerously slow.
"I think they are doing all they can to rob people."