Safety cameras are to be installed on Oxford’s A40 northern bypass junction with Barton Park later this month to deter motorists from speeding and driving through red lights.
Oxfordshire County Council will fund the installation and initial maintenance costs of the cameras, which will detect vehicles travelling over the 50mph speed limit and identify vehicles jumping a red light in both directions. Thames Valley Police will be responsible for their ownership and operation.
The measures are in response to several collisions and near-misses since the junction to the Barton Park development opened, and follow concerns raised by residents and councillors.
Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“This will be extremely welcome news to everyone who lives in or visits this area and needs to cross this road. Excessive speeds and red-light jumping are genuine concerns at this location, with a video survey showing how widespread the problem is.
“We are delighted at this example of working in partnership with our colleagues at Thames Valley Police to put in a deterrent, which will make this road safer. Motorists who follow the rules will have nothing to fear. Those show disregard for others’ safety by breaking them will face the consequences.”
Chief Inspector Jade Hewitt, of Thames Valley Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said:
“Road safety remains a priority for Thames Valley Police, and we welcome the installation of these safety cameras at the Barton Park junction. We are aware of concerns regarding speeding and red-light offences at this location, and the evidence gathered has demonstrated the need for further enforcement measures.
“The cameras will act as both a deterrent and an enforcement tool, encouraging motorists to comply with the speed limit and traffic signals, helping to reduce the risk of serious collisions. Speeding remains one of the Fatal Five factors that contribute to the most serious and fatal collisions on our roads, alongside drink and drug driving, distraction, not wearing a seatbelt and careless driving.
“Most drivers use our roads responsibly, but those who choose to ignore the law and put others at risk should expect to be held accountable.
“We are pleased to be working alongside Oxfordshire County Council as part of our shared commitment to improving road safety and protecting all road users across Oxfordshire.”
The funding is coming from the council’s Vision Zero programme, its ambition to eliminate death and serious injuries from road collisions in Oxfordshire by 2050.
The poles and cameras will be painted bright yellow to be as visible as possible to drivers, and advance warning signage has been approved by Thames Valley Police.
(Picture: Oxfordshire County Council)
