A new Jenoptik speed camera that can monitor both directions of traffic at once has caught nearly 681 speeding motorists in its first week in Cornwall, England.
The Vector SR camera went live on the A394, a 30 mph road at Longdowns near Falmouth.
Among the offences, five drivers have been referred to court while 72 have been given points on their licence. Others were offered a speed awareness course.
Jenoptik says the camera does not require ’tiger teeth’ road markings and is non-invasive, meaning there is no need for in-road sensors, which simplifies maintenance activities.
According to Jenoptik, the system uses non-visible infra-red lighting, resulting in no distracting flashes of dazzling light, which is also a benefit for nearby residents.
Jentoptik deputy managing director Geoff Collins. “Our spot speed solution is ideal for improving road safety at known speeding hotspots, and I am pleased to see it having an immediate effect.
“However, I’m also disappointed that so many people have been detected speeding past the camera because that means drivers haven’t adjusted their behaviour appropriately. Hopefully as people realise it’s not worth breaking the limit, the numbers will come down and the road will be much safer for everyone.”
Cllr Philip Desmonde, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for transport, says: “Speed limits are in place for a good reason, sadly too many people are injured on Cornwall’s roads. Everyone can make a positive impact by driving within the speed limit, and these cameras are a valuable tool in educating drivers to slow down.”
The installation was funded by the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership whose members include Devon & Cornwall Police, Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and National Highways.
Supt Adrian Leisk, chairman of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership’s enforcement subgroup, says: “I hope this goes some way to reassuring people across Devon and Cornwall that our speed cameras are fully operational and we are taking action against drivers who break the law.”
The next site in Cornwall due to be upgraded with Jenoptik’s Vector SR solution is the camera at Tregolls Road, Truro, which is likely to be operational during April. It will capture red light offences as well as speeding drivers.
