How the average speed cameras look

Two notorious accident black-spots in Preston are to have average speed cameras introduced.

Brockholes Brow where Rachel Marie Murphy and Shelby Maher died and London Road where biker Robert Symonowicz passed away will both see the new speed restrictions.

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The speed limit will remain the same in both locations but instead of a fixed camera a number of speed cameras will measure motorist’s speed from the point they enter the zone to when they leave.

Lancashire Police is introducing the new cameras at eight places across the county where 13 people have died in the past six years.

Where will the cameras be?

The Brockholes Brow cameras will be introduced on a half-mile stretch between Junction 31 of the M6 (Tickled Trout) and Glenluce Drive.

On the A6, London Road, there will be a 0.7 mile stretch from the Capitol Centre (Winery Lane) to Albyn Street East.

A map showing where the London Road average speed section will be

Both these stretches of road saw serious collisions lead to the loss of lives during 2016 – and a number of other collisions in recent years.

Rachel and Shelby who died as a result of the Brockholes Brow crash

Rachel Marie Murphy, 23, and Shelby Maher, 17, were struck by a car as they and friends crossed the A59 in April last year.

Robert Symonowicz and floral tributes left at the scene of the crash

While hotel worker Robert Symonowicz, 28, was involved in a crash while on his motorbike in early July.

What the police and politicians say

Assistant chief constable Tim Jacques who is also chair of the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership said: “We don’t want to catch you speeding. Our primary aim is for all drivers to adhere to the safe speed limits on our roads, and these particular roads are proven to be amongst some of our most dangerous.

“It is well researched and documented that speeding can kill, but we know that a combination of education, engineering and enforcement can change behaviours and save lives. This is particularly important where there are recurring problems.

“The Partnership vision, ‘Towards Zero’, is that we work towards preventing all collisions that result in death or serious injury. Using clearly signed average speed cameras will play a vital role as part of this vision.”

Read more: Car filmed on wrong side of the road in Brockholes Brow

The Department of Transport puts the average cost of dealing with a fatal collision as £2million, and a serious collision as £230,000.

Police and crime commissioner for Lancashire Clive Grunshaw said: “In an ideal world drivers would observe the speed limit and we would never have speed related casualties and deaths; but we all know that that is not the case. The casualty toll on these routes has to be tackled and therefore I am pleased that the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership is investing to make these routes safer for all. Evidence shows that speed is often a factor in road deaths and serious collisions, so these measures should help to save lives.”

County Councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Our roads have become much safer over the past decade with far fewer casualties overall.

“However there are particular roads where the record of speed related casualties remains high, despite considerable investment in targeted safety engineering measures.

“The evidence suggests that average speed cameras will help to tackle this problem, and I look forward to these roads becoming safer following their introduction.”

How do you feel about the new cameras? Vote in our poll below

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When will the work on the average speed cameras start?

The A6 in Preston at London Road is to have the first one introduced. Work begins on Monday (9 January) and is expected to be in force during March. Other routes will be done during the course of 2017 with all of them operational by the end of the year.

What’s the cost of the new speed cameras?

During the first five years the average speed camera scheme is to cost £2.15million. They are funded by the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership.

Where else is getting the average speed cameras?

A565 Southport Road (1.2m) between B5246 at Mere Brow and the Gravel Lane roundabout at Banks.

A583 Preston New Road (7.5m) between M55 Junction 3 (Peel Road, Peel Hill), through Kirkham bypass, and Blackpool Road at Preston Old Road, Clifton.

A588 Head Dyke Lane, Pilling (2m) between Fold House Caravan Park and Bourbles Lane.

A675 in Belmont (8.5m) between M65 junction 3, through Abbey Village and Belmont to Scout Road.

A682 Gisburn Road, Pendle (5.2m) between A59 at Gisburn and Whittycroft Avenue (between Barrowford and Blacko).

B6232 Grane Road, Haslingden (4.7m) between A56 through Haslingden Grane to A6177 Elton Road junction with Sough Lane.

Read more: Father of Brockholes Brown crash victim thanks passers-by

What happens to existing speed cameras on these roads?

They are being removed as the average speed ones are put in.

What’s the penalty issued for breaking the speed limit?

There will be sanctions for anyone detected breaching the speed limits, where eligible they will be given the opportunity to attend a speed awareness course to learn about the dangers of speeding, accept a conditional offer of a fixed penalty or for higher speeds the matter may be referred to court.

How can I find more information?

The Road Safety Partnership has a dedicated section about the new cameras.

What do you think of the introduction of average speed cameras on these roads? Let us know in the comments below