Cameras failing to decrease accidents
SUNDERLAND is the only place in the region where the number of casualties has actually risen at safety camera sites.
The figures are revealed as plans are set in motion to add another five mobile sites in the coming months.

But while bosses from the Northumbria Safety Camera Partnership admitted the figures were "unacceptable", they pointed out a significant decrease in serious accidents during the past 12 months.

Total casualties at fixed and mobile sites in Sunderland increased by almost 17 per cent between 1999 and 2005.

The rise in Sunderland is mainly down to 110 minor injuries recorded during 2003/04 at speed camera sites across the city.

Jeremy Forsberg, from the Safety Camera Partnership, said: "We believe the Sunderland figures are unacceptable but the number of serious and fatal collisions has fallen.

"We will be working, via a number of methods, to make sure there are fewer accidents in the future. This will not just be through the use of cameras, but through vehicle-activated signs which flash to show drivers what speed they should be doing."

More than 1,400 speeding motorists have already opted for a Sunderland-operated speed awareness course. For just £65, drivers can take the course and avoid getting points on their licence or a fine.

Mr Forsberg added: "There were a total of 90 collisions in Sunderland involving someone killed or seriously injured at camera site locations before the Safety Partnership started.

"The most recent data for these sites shows a total of 18 collisions."

One site earmarked for a new mobile camera is Burdon Lane in New Silksworth, Sunderland.

It comes almost two years after Dean Palin, 13, was killed as he and a friend tried to cross the road.

The teen died just a few hours after being taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital. His death prompted calls for greater safety measures on the road.

There are 11 mobile camera sites, four fixed camera sites and five red light cameras operating across Wearside. Camera bosses say it is possible more fixed sites could soon be on the way.

Mr Forsberg added: "We don't want speed cameras. If people just slowed down there would be no need for them."

But drivers claim the latest figures prove the cameras are not working.

Joyce Brown, 80, from Seaburn was flashed three times in the space of an hour by a mobile camera on South Bents Road, Sunderland.

Despite having a clean licence for more than 40 years, she received nine points.

Mrs Brown said: "I've been saying for some time now these cameras don't seem to work. The vehicle-activated ones seem a much better idea. They make drivers slow down without costing them money."

Providing she does not get caught again, Mrs Brown's points will come off her licence in November.

The Association of British Drivers believes the days of speed cameras in the city are numbered.

Mark McArthur Christie, from the association, added: "Once you remove the emotive spin from speed cameras. Once you get down to the statistics and facts of the matter, you find they are all flash and no substance.

"People don't want them and now even the Department for Transport is starting to realise that.

"We have nothing against the safety partnerships. They are doing their best and are trying to bring deaths on the roads down.

"But the simple fact of the matter is that you can't be concentrating on the road when your too busy checking what speed you're doing."



Planned new mobile camera sites:

Barrington Drive and Parkway, Glebe, Washington;
St Aidan's Terrace, Houghton;
Burdon Lane, Silksworth;
B1286 Tunstall Bank, Ryhope;
Allendale Road, Farringdon.

Fixed camera sites:

A183 Whitburn Road, The Bents;
A690 Durham Road, Sunderland;
A183 Chester Road, Shiney Row;
A1018 Southmoor, Sunderland.

They make drivers slow down without costing them money.”
Providing she does not get caught again, Mrs Brown’s points will come off her licence in November.
The Association of British Drivers believes the days of speed cameras in the city are numbered.
Mark McArthur Christie, from the association, added: “Once you remove the emotive spin from speed cameras. Once you get down to the statistics and facts of the matter, you find they are all flash and no substance.
“People don’t want them and now even the Department for Transport is starting to realise that.
“We have nothing against the safety partnerships. They are doing their best and are trying to bring deaths on the roads down.
“But the simple fact of the matter is that you can’t be concentrating on the road when your too busy checking what speed you’re doing.”