PCC funds Hertford Heath speed cameras
Speed cameras have been installed in a village after funding was agreed by David Lloyd, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire.
Residents in Hertford Heath repeatedly raised concerns about vehicles breaking the 30mph limit after a series of both serious and minor collisions.
Now two cameras and warning signs have been put up at either end of London Road in the East Herts village. PCC David Lloyd agreed to allocate £36,120 from the Road Safety Fund, which is run by his office, to pay for the installation and three-year running costs.
The ViaCam devices can capture vehicles in both directions and were chosen over an average speed camera system as they can also deter speeding by local and delivery vehicles, which use side roads between the camera sites.
The cameras are not currently used to issue penalty fines or the threat of court action. Offenders are sent advisory letters to educate them that they are speeding, with repeat and serious offenders receiving a visit to their home by a police officer.
Information gathered by the cameras will also be used by local officers when planning their routine speed enforcement operations.
Mr Lloyd said: “There was over whelming public support from the villagers for action to be taken, with strong support from the Parish Council and the local MP Julie Marson.
“I have listened to their concerns and action has been taken to tackle this long-standing issue with an effective long-term solution.
“These cameras are not about fining people and raising extra money, they are there to educate and remind motorists that they should stick to the speed limits to improve road safety for everyone.”
Julie Marson, MP for Hertford and Stortford said: “As soon as I was elected back in 2019, I worked to crack down on speeding in Hertford Heath, consulting with local residents and working with stakeholders.
“I’m really pleased that David Lloyd has been receptive to the views of residents by agreeing to fund this fantastic initiative. Having the cameras in our community will alleviate many of the anxieties that residents have historically had.
“Mr Lloyd and I will be keeping a close eye on this to make sure that the cameras are effective at reducing dangerous driving in Hertford Heath.”
The Road Safety Fund is run by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire with aim of finding new, innovative and sustainable ways of improving road safety. It supports a mix of education and enforcement to achieve behaviour change solutions and interventions which focus on preventing and reducing road casualties including minimising anti-social road use.
A further round will be open for Expressions of Interest in early 2023. Please see the Road Safety Fund section on the website for further information at https://www.hertscommissioner.org/listening-and-responding/funding/road-safety-fund/ .