Express & Star

Should speed cameras be re-introduced on Black Country roads?

Speed cameras could return to the Black Country with police pushing for the move.

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Average speed cameras could be making a return to the Black Country

Council bosses across the region have confirmed they are keeping a close eye on trials elsewhere in the West Midlands.

Enforcement cameras have been successfully tested in Birmingham and Coventry.

And West Midlands Police chiefs are now keen to open talks with Black Country councils over the cameras.

Where could the cameras return?

Sandwell and Walsall councils today also said they were considering the enforcement, while Wolverhampton has not ruled them out.

Walsall Council’s Steve Pretty, head of planning, engineering and transportation, said: “Outcomes from the pilot are being considered in conjunction with the other Black Country authorities and West Midlands Police.

“Funding has been identified via Walsall Council’s Capital Programme for a combination of average speed cameras, spot cameras and red light cameras if it is decided that this is the best way forward.”

Ken Tudor, spokesman for Sandwell Council, said: “The trial in Birmingham and Solihull is being undertaken on behalf of the West Midlands.

“Along with the remaining Black Country authorities Sandwell has also expressed its interest in bringing average cameras into our borough, once the trial has ended and the results have been assessed.

“We will work with West Midlands Police and our neighbours to bring a consistent approach to average speed enforcement of some of our more major routes.”

A spokesman for Wolverhampton council said: “There are no approved or fixed plans for the introduction of average speed enforcement cameras into Wolverhampton.

“However, we are keen to explore options in the future following the trials in Birmingham and Coventry.”

However Dudley Council said it had no plans for the cameras.

What's the view of police?

Average speed cameras have been a common sight in roadworks on the M5 and M6

Insp Kerry Blakeman, from the camera enforcement unit at West Midlands Police, said: “In Solihull and Birmingham, across eight sites, we have seen a reduction of around 20 per cent in speeds.

“The average speed cameras offer a greater solution to reducing speeds than the static cameras.”

He added: “We have approached all of the local authorities in the West Midlands.

“Wolverhampton are looking into it, Coventry are taking it on. I’d welcome other authorities to come forward. “

Insp Blakeman said the cameras not only slowed vehicles down but improved safety and traffic flow.

Speed cameras were turned off five years ago. But there are still currently 160 mobile camera sites across the West Midlands.

The five-year trial involving average speed cameras in Birmingham and Solihull was introduced two years ago.

The police claim the cameras do not make money and all funds are put back into maintaining the cameras.