This in from the Hampshire Constabulary, in their own words. Ed
Hampshire Police Authority has given its approval for Hampshire Constabulary to take on lead responsibility for speed enforcement, following the dissolution of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Safer Roads Partnership.
Superintendent Chris Brown, head of the constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “We are just one of many forces currently taking on this responsibility, after government funding for safer roads partnerships was impacted by the public spending cuts.
“This has meant that we have had to find alternative solutions to enable us to maintain our focus on this important area of work with the fewer funds available.”
Road casualty reduction remains a priority
He went on to say, “Road casualty reduction remains a priority for the constabulary in the year ahead and is a fundamental part of our Policing Plan.
“Education and enforcement are key to this and we will continue to work with our partners to focus on further driving down road casualty figures.
“Maintaining the network of safety cameras is integral to these plans. Since the Safer Roads Partnership was introduced, there has been a significant reduction in the number of casualties on our roads and we are determined to continue that work.
“This will be supplemented by mobile camera vans, which will be used on an intelligence-led basis on the routes where most casualties occur.”
Reductions since 2007
Between April 2007 and March 2010, there has been a 41 per cent reduction in the total number of collisions on safety camera site routes, and a 54 per cent reduction in killed or serious injury collisions.
In real terms, that is 337 fewer collisions per year and 91 fewer people killed or seriously injured on average per year.
All income generated by the use of safety cameras will continue to be used to support road policing objectives and will fund equipment and staff.
The members of staff already employed by Hampshire Constabulary under the former SRP structure will remain and will continue to work in close liaison with Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Southampton local authorities.
Image: Dave Bleasdale under CC BY 2.0
