Mark Eastwood MP has this week introduced a bill to give communities more power over where speed cameras are sited which is already having an effect on Government action on road safety.
The Member of Parliament for Dewsbury, Mirfield, Kirkburton and Denby Dale introduced the bill in Parliament on Wednesday 5th July to push for updated guidance on where and when speed cameras can be introduced as an accident prevention measure.
Mark Eastwood said:
“This Bill is not about giving the green light to local authorities for revenue-generating schemes, but the guidelines need to make it clear how local communities can request a camera for the areas that they know are a problem.”
Mark Eastwood’s speech in support of the Bill also laid out the case for lowering the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) in collisions before cameras can be introduced to the area.
He explained:
“The current guidelines mean that at least three people need either to die or suffer a serious collision, with potentially life-changing injuries in a three year period to satisfy just one of the criteria to install a speed camera. This means that at least three families need to have their lives changed forever before a preventive measure can be implemented. This needs to change”
The bill has attracted support from colleagues across Parliament, with Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney also giving his support.
The Government has also been quick to agree with the intentions of the bill, with Mark Eastwood receiving a response from Roads Minister Richard Holden MP within hours confirming that the Department for Transport are planning to update the guidelines in the Autumn of this year.
Mark commented:
“I’m delighted to have received such a prompt response from the Minister – it’s clear he understands the importance of this issue and the impact on local communities. I’m keen to see the updated guidelines and in the meantime I will continue to raise this issue and work with local communities to ensure that our roads are safer for everyone”
