Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has announced the installation of eight average speed cameras along two of what she calls the most problematic roads for excessive noise and speeding in the county.
Donna Jones says the A32 and A272 in the Meon Valley have been subject to excessive motorbike noise and speeding for a number of years which has had a detrimental impact on people’s lives.
The cameras have been installed as part of a £677,000 spend from the Safer Roads Reserve, which is revenue generated from speed camera fines.
She says the decision to invest was backed up by significant analysis by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and follows close working with local MPs, councillors and parish councillors who have all expressed their concerns on behalf of local residents and communities.
PCC Jones said: “Since being elected I have received consistent complaints from residents in the surrounding areas of the A32 and A272 in the Meon Valley about excessive motorbike noise and speeding.
“I am delighted to announce that the new cameras to tackle this issue are now being installed.
“I know the Constabulary has always invested significant time and resources into speeding enforcement on these roads because they are high casualty roads, but due to limited technology, capturing offending motorists and motorcyclists, up until now, has been difficult.
“The cameras will provide a 24/7 permanent digital enforcement for the police, making it easier to identify offending motorists and take action against those who are driving dangerously.
“Targeted police operations in marked and unmarked vehicles will continue, specifically the use of high speed police motorbikes which I also invested in last year to bolster the police response.
“As Commissioner, it is so important for me to deliver on reducing crimes that matter to you the most. I have no doubt these cameras will have a positive impact on road safety in the area.”
Roads Policing Unit Inspector, Andy Tester added: “Speeding is one of the ‘fatal five’ causes of serious injury or fatal collisions on our roads and these cameras will act as a deterrent to those who choose to ignore speed limits.
“Our dedicated roads policing officers will continue to patrol these roads, but the addition of these cameras means more speeding motorists will be caught and the highways will be safer for all road users.”
Flick Drummond MP for Meon Valley said: “Excessive speeding and motorbike noise along the A32 and A272 have been a huge concern for residents in this part of Meon Valley. They have endured this anti-social and illegal activity for far too long.
“The installation of new average speed cameras is something residents wanted and something I have campaigned to happen since I was elected. I thank the Police and Crime Commissioner for her brilliant work ensuring the cameras are up and running.
“Slower speeds mean less noise and safer roads. I am delighted the cameras are in place. I have a few words for the minority of riders and drivers who think the A32 and A272 their personal racetracks. Fines, penalty points and even a ban from the road await you if you break the law.”
Damian Hinds MP for East Hampshire said: “It’s fantastic to see the cameras appearing on the A32 and A272. Sadly, we are all too aware of the horrendous consequences of speeding, particularly on country roads.
“Excessive noise from speeding vehicles can be a real blight on people’s lives and destroy the tranquillity of the countryside. Those who choose to drive or ride recklessly, with little thought for other road users or the communities living close by, will hopefully think twice now that the cameras are in operation.
“My thanks go to the Commissioner, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and the Hampshire Highways team for bringing this project to fruition.”
(Picture – Hampshire PCC)
