3,500 people caught speeding last year at Tollbar island roadworks

Tollbar Island with the junction of London Road Image: coventrytelegraph.net

Tollbar island is best known for long delays - despite these delays average speed cameras positioned in roadworks caught out nearly 3,500 drivers last year.
 

The cameras operate on a 40mph stretch of A45 between Tollbar and the Festival Island and are designed to protect contractors working on the £106million project.  

The Highways Agency say work on the new underpass takes place around the clock. The roadworks have been described as the worst in the country, with motorists experiencing long delays during the typical working week.  

At the time a Highways Agency spokesman said: 

“We are committed to making sure disruption for the drivers who use the junction every day is kept to an absolute minimum and we plan roadworks very carefully.

 “Wherever possible lanes are closed at quieter times and we do our best to keep lanes open while we work, avoiding the need to divert traffic.” The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points.  

The figures come as fixed speed cameras in the region look set to make a comeback after 304 were controversially switched off a year ago. Some motorists have posted on internet forums suggesting that the fixed speed camera on the Ryton side of the A45, close to Tollbar, is working again though.

 

Bristol Speed Cameras to be Switched Back on

Four Bristol based speed cameras are to be switched back on for the first time in three years after being switched off in 2011. The locations are as follows:

• A4018 Westbury Road, north off Brecon Road;
• A4174 junction of Airport Road and Creswicke Road;
• A4174 junction of Hartcliffe Way and Novers Lane;
• B3122 St John’s Lane west of Littleton Road.

There are 52 static cameras remaining across the region that might also eventually be reactivated. Bristol City Council says:

"We are taking a staged approach to the switch on of cameras which will not mean that all sites are switched on at the same time. We do not have a date for switching on the cameras at these sites as we are still working with partners and suppliers to ensure all necessary procedures and permissions are in place."