A new mobile speed camera project to stop motorists driving fast through recognised accident black spots has been launched, reports Ellis Butcher.

It aims to cut the number of deaths and serious accidents on roads in Cumbria by 15 per cent between now and 2006.

But it is also expected to lead to more than 20,200 people being fined for speeding in its first year because of the need to meet the £1.3m cost of the scheme.

Steve Callaghan, Safety Camera project manager for Cumbria Constabulary, said: "It must be stressed from the outset that this campaign is about safety and not income generation."

Cameras, which will be operated from specially-painted roadside police bays, will target 47 sites in the county, which have accounted for a total of 76 per cent of all serious accidents in the county.

It is part of a countywide project by the Cumbria Road Casualty Reduction Partnership, which includes the police, Cumbria County Council and Cumbria Magistrates' Court.

Sanctioned by the Department for Transport, it has allowed the partnership to purchase six new mobile cameras that can be mounted on tripods or on vans.

Speed checks will be carried out around twice a month and motorists will be given advanced warnings with roadside signs placed a kilometre from where checks are taking place by officers wearing high visibility clothing.

The force will publish two weeks in advance where the checks will be made, either in newspapers or on their website.

The money generated from fines can be claimed back from the Government but only to cover costs or for further speed enforcement initiatives.

Mr Callaghan said: "The funds already invested, along with operating costs can be reclaimed from the Government if we prove we are operating the cameras to achieve the objectives of the partnership. No extra money over and above these costs can be claimed.

It is hoped to make speeding as socially unacceptable as drink driving or driving without a seatbelt.

Said Mr Callaghan: "We are trying to change people's opinions.

"The police are not going to get any money out of this and we will not be hiding behind trees.

"The objective is to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Cumbria's roads and the only people that will pay are those breaking the statutory speed limits.

"It is more important to get to where you are going safely, than it is to get there on time."

The mobile cameras will be operated on the A6 at Shap Road and Milnthorpe Road, Kendal; the A685 Appleby Road, Kendal, the A65 Hollin Hall to

Hornsbarrow, Kirkby Lonsdale; Burton Road and Lound Road, and Lound Road to Oxenholme Road, Kendal.

On the A590, sites monitored will be between Heaves, Levens and Gilpin, Haverthwaite to Backbarrow, the Bouth Road Junction to Greenodd, and Newlands, Ulverston.

The A591 coverage will be Ings and Ings Village, the A592 on Rayrigg Road, Bowness, the A5087 coast road and the B5277 Lindale Road, Grange.

A6 sites include the A6 Selside, taking in Forest Hall, Selside and Garnett Bridge, and on the M6, Junction 37 to 38 and Junction 38 to 39.

April 16, 2003 09:30