05 November 2007

Too many deaths on A228 leads to new speed cameras

Pupils from Stoke Community School have today helped launch the new permanent average speed cameras on the A228 at Grain where 57 balloons were released in memory of those killed or injured in the last five years.

The pupils designed tags with pictures and messages encouraging motorists to slow down which were attached to the balloons. The public are asked that if they find one of the tags when the balloons have fallen to send it back to Medway Council (an address is on the tag). The pupil’s tag that has floated furthest from the launch site and is returned will win a new bike kindly donated by Halfords, along with safety equipment donated by the Safer Journeys Team at Medway Council.

The new cameras cover a 7.5km route from Christmas Lane to Thamesport enforcing the current 40mph speed limit. In the last five years there have been 57 crashes along this stretch including seven deaths and nine serious injuries.

SPECS (SPeed Check Enforcement System) is a digital safety camera system providing point-to-point speed enforcement based on calculation of average speed and in Kent and Medway has only previously been used to enforce temporary speed limits during road works - including sites on the M20 and M2.

The new system has been jointly funded by the Kent & Medway Safety Camera Partnership and Medway Council and is costing in excess of £500,000.

Medway Council has already carried out safety works along the A228 including vehicle-activated signs, a pelican crossing, reduced speed limit, anti-skid and coloured surfacing and road markings prohibiting overtaking manoeuvres. The safety cameras will now be introduced as an additional measure to reduce crashes and casualties along this stretch of road.

Rachel Wall Communications Manager for the Partnership said: “Today is about remembering those that have tragically lost their lives or been injured on the A228 but also a time to look forward to where the new cameras will prevent other families suffering the same anguish and improve the quality of life for residents of the A228.

“As with all our safety cameras the SPECS system will be signed, painted yellow and listed on our website so that motorists know where they are operating. The aim of the Partnership is not to catch people speeding, but to encourage them to slow down to prevent crashes."

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services Councillor Phil Filmer said: “The people in Medway have been requesting safety cameras on the A228 for some time and I am so pleased that this request has finally been met today. We hope the new installation of the SPECS system will dramatically reduce casualties on this road. Medway Council is also pleased to be able to fund part of the costs alongside the Safety Camera Partnership to enable the cameras to go ahead.”

For more information about Medway Council please log onto www.medway.gov.uk

Please note all balloons and tags used are biodegradable.