Camera crash reduction scheme wins international road safety award

The Royal Awards recognise achievements and innovation in road safety. They are presented annually to the most outstanding examples around the world. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership (CPRSP), and Speed Check Services (SCS) won theirs for safety improvements on a 22km stretch of the A14 in Cambridgeshire. The group received the honour after deaths and serious injuries on the A14 reduced by more than 68%.

Progress to reduce deaths and injuries was slow, so the Partnership opted to install SPECS digital average speed enforcement cameras, manufactured by SCS. As well as saving lives, since becoming operational in 2007, the initiative has saved the economy £4.3 million annually.

The average speed cameras have also eased congestion on the dual carriageway. Other roads have benefitted from SPECS cameras, but the A14 is the longest controlled route in England.

ACPORoads Policing Lead, chief constable Mick Giannasi commended the winners: "At a time when the spotlight is very much on spending on camera enforcement, this scheme shows the benefits that may be achieved in terms of lives saved and serious injuries prevented, as well as the clear financial benefit. This adds considerably to the existing evidence of how effective average speed systems are at reducing casualties on our roads and justifies our continuing support for their use. It is very pleasing to see the Partnership rewarded for their achievement and I would like to add my personal congratulations to the Partnership."

SCS sales and marketing director said: “The A14 scheme clearly demonstrates how a well designed and operated enforcement system should work. Casualties and collisions have reduced significantly, road users have a more reliable journey and the number of tickets issued is extremely low.”

Also accepting the award Clinton Hale, manager of the Cambridgeshire Police Safety Camera Unit, said:

“We value the camera system’s contribution in reducing the risks drivers face on the road. The A14 is very busy with local traffic and heavy goods vehicles. Speed increases the risk of serious injury and death to these road users. The cameras encourage motorists to acknowledge this and drive at more appropriate speeds, making a difficult journey safer.”