Bridge speed cameras net 100 drivers in a fortnight

Published on Wednesday 8 February 2012 12:01

NEW average speed cameras before the Forth Road Bridge have snared more than 100 drivers in little more than a fortnight of being fully operational.

The devices, which enforce a 40mph speed limit on the approach to the crossing to Fife, were switched on at the start of January to protect construction staff working on the new replacement bridge.

Now it has emerged that the cameras are catching seven drivers a day who breach the limit, landing them with at least three penalty points and a £60 fine.

The worst offender was clocked travelling past the yellow-coloured cameras at 73mph – almost double the speed limit – while others have been caught multiple times.

Authorities said it was vital road users complied with the speed limit, although drivers have voiced their frustration at having to stick to such a low speed for several miles on both sides of the bridge, particularly when choked-up traffic can already cause significant delays.

A spokeswoman for the Lothian and Borders Safety Camera Partnership, which operates the cameras on this side of the bridge, said: “There is no excuse for exceeding the speed limit at these roadworks.

“It is vitally important that motorists comply with the reduced speed limit for their own safety, as well as for the safety of others.”

Cameras were also installed on the M9 at junction 1a. There is little activity now, but it will soon be busy with construction workers and their vehicles taking part in the Forth Replacement Crossing project.

Although there are no cameras on the bridge itself, where the limit is 50mph, they were introduced on the Fife side some time ago.

The organisation said that one vehicle had been detected speeding three times, while a further four cars had registered twice.

Unlike mobile speed cameras or the traditional brightly- coloured devices at the side of the road, the average speed facility measures the time it takes for a car to travel between two points. Experts say driver compliance is significantly higher as a result.

The cameras will be in place until the spring of 2013.

Meanwhile, the partnership’s mobile speed camera will be appearing at various locations across West Lothian and roads into the Lothians from the Borders.

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Alternative (High Octane) Fuel Head

Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 01:26 PM

"There is little activity now, but it will soon be busy with construction workers and their vehicles taking part in the Forth Replacement Crossing project." So take the measures when they are needed then. Why restrict traffic flow without good reason?

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Alternative (High Octane) Fuel Head

Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 01:23 PM

“There is no excuse for exceeding the speed limit at these roadworks." There are NO ROADWORKS THERE FFS!!!! If there were men working adjacent to the road then a lower speed limit makes sense. In this case the width of the carriageway has been halved and a stupidly low speed limit imposed (why 40mph? what is wrong with 50mph like it always used to be?) where not a single worker is to be seen for miles. Would someone who was involved in the decision to obstruct traffic in this way mind explaining in detail the reason a) for the 40mph limit as opposed to a more appropriate 50mph limit and b) The reason why restrictions are in place where clearly no work is taking place or is ever likely to be taking place and c) Why it is considered neccessary to block off half of the road width? Note that an answer along the lines of "...as a matter of policy... " is not acceptable.

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Navvy

Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 12:00 PM

A piece of arrogant onsense, the signs start too far out and the restriction shold be lifted when no work is taking place If the arangements do not meetmtis: http:www.legislation.gov.ukukpga200418contents Dispute the summons

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Navvy

Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 11:58 AM

a piece of nonsense. The limit starts too far from the works. take a look at this and if they dont comply then refuse to pay the fine http:www.legislation.gov.ukukpga200418contents

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The Hiker

Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 09:06 AM

#1 well said. There is no need for the limit to be as low as 40, in the eveningearly morning, Sundays etc, when no work is going on. For long long distances, even during what might be called normal working hours, there is absolutely no activity, not a soul to be seen, but yet we all have to trundle at 40 mph on motorway. They should be more in tune with ongoing activity.

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KINGFISHER1

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 03:45 PM

WE view this as misuse of digital technology. SERIOUS MISUSE. WE do not trust the local Police nor the Judicial Authorities. The moniker has been agreed as a convenient mask, but the point about the misuse of digital technology by the police and judical authorities is HIGHLY TECHNICAL. The matter at issue is the dna technology, an UPGRADE and LOCK DOWN with POWER CLOSE.

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not me again

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 12:23 PM

They are a bit maddenning at certain times when no one is working.

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