Plans to install average speed cameras along two major roads in Lancashire which have a history of safety concerns are set to move forward, with the county council thanking residents coming forward in Burnley for helping make it happen.
The two schemes – which cost a total of £2.1 million – will see Jenoptik’s SPECS speed enforcement cameras erected on the A682 Colne Road in Burnley and Brierfield as well as the A583 Blackpool Road in Kirkham, through to Peel Hill.
The Colne Road scheme has been developed following community engagement in Burnley, with residents making it clear that making the A682 safer should be a top priority for the county council.
The council says the scheme will address road safety risks by targeting excessive speeds and anti-social driving behaviour along the A682 Colne Road.
Money for the work is expected to come from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund programme, which has a wider strategic objective of improving the sense of community in north-east Burnley, subject to final approval from Government. The Levelling Up East Lancashire programme, which is made up of £5m funding from Lancashire County Council and a provisional award of £50m from the Government, will deliver a range of improvements through three connected projects.
The A583 Blackpool Road scheme is being funded by the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads fund, which aims to improve safety on England’s 50 most dangerous A-roads, following a successful bid for funding to provide further road safety improvements along this stretch.
It is hoped the work to install the cameras for both schemes will begin in April next year and completed by the end of December.
Cllr Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “Both of these roads have a history of serious collisions where excessive speed has been a factor and we understand how concerned local communities are about their safety record.
“Residents in Burnley in particular have strongly voiced strong calls for safety improvements on the A682 Colne Road through our community engagement.
“The scheme we are developing shows that we are listening to our residents, and the new cameras will help to save lives and make these two A roads safer for everyone.”
(Picture – Lancashire CC)
