Speed Camera News Despite speed scameras turned off, Fatal Crashes in Northamptonshire fall to new record low.
Despite speed scameras turned off, Fatal Crashes in Northamptonshire fall to new record low.
Fatal crashes in Northamptonshire fall to a new record low
By John Harrison
Published on Thursday 5 January 2012 07:20
NEW figures have revealed the number of deaths on Northamptonshire’s roads has fallen to a record low, prompting council chiefs to claim the decision to switch-off speed cameras across the county was correct.
The statistics showed 19 people died in road accidents across the county in the last 12 months, the lowest number since records began. The deaths included 11 drivers and three passengers.
The news came after fears were raised about a potential increase in serious accidents on the roads following the decision to axe the county’s speed cameras in April last year.
However, leader of Northamptonshire County Council Jim Harker (Con, Kettering Rural) said the figures, which were down by 21 per cent on the previous year, proved safety cameras were not saving lives.
He said: “It is a welcome trend but it is still a serious problem and we need to do everything we can do to continue that trend. However, it does support the argument that simply having speed cameras did not contribute to the number of deaths on the road.
“It also gives some evidence that although speed has risen as a result of removing cameras, the consequence hasn’t been more serious accidents.”
The number of people killed on roads in Northamptonshire is now the lowest figure since official records were introduced in 1960. Last year Northamptonshire Police revealed they had seen an increase in speeding cars since cameras were switched off.
Councillor Andre Gonzalez De Savage, county council cabinet member for infrastructure and public protection, said: “It is very good news that the number of deaths has fallen and this reflects the hard work of all the agencies involved in keeping our county roads safe. However, we should remember there are 19 families who have spent the festive period without their loved ones and we will continue to do all we can to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.”
Deputy Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police Suzette Davenport added: “One death on our roads is one too many and we must not forget that behind each statistic is a grieving family or someone coming to terms with a life-changing injury. We would urge all road users to think about their driving behaviour.”
Feb 2 A6116, Stanion, Driver
Feb 26 A428, Harlestone Road, Driver
Mar 9 A47 Collyweston, Driver
Mar 26 A14 at Catthorpe Interchange, Motorcyclist
May 10 A45 Wellingborough, Passenger
May 26 M1 near Watford Gap services, Driver
June 23 A45 near Great Doddington, Motorcyclist
July 7 A605 near Warmington, Driver
July 24 A45 near Great Doddington, Pedestrian
Aug 13 M1 at junction 15a exit, Two passengers
Aug 20 M1 near Milton Malsor, Driver
Aug 22 A4300 Rothwell Road, Kettering, Cyclist
Aug 23 A422 near Hinton in the Hedges, Driver
Aug 27 A43 Stanion, Driver
Sept 26 B4525 near Greatworth, Driver
Oct 20 A5 at Duncote turning, Driver
Nov 25 Cockley Road in Farthinghoe, Driver
Dec 17 A43 near Barley Mow roundabout, Pedestrian
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