Safety cameras

Our main aim is to reduce the number/severity of road collisions resulting in injury by encouraging motorists to drive appropriately within the speed limit. To accomplish this we use safety cameras to enforce the speed limits.

When are cameras appropriate?

When there is an injury collision hotspot
There is an excess speed problem
Where the rules imposed by the Department for Transport are met
It is agreed between us and Thames Valley Police (TVP) that there is a need.

Cameras can be installed on any road with speed limit from 30-70mph.

Types of camera

Cameras can be fixed or mobile and are mounted in yellow reflective boxes, beside the road. Fixed cameras can be either front or rear facing.

All camera sites are clearly signed.

New sites

With the Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership, we identify potential sites annually. Starting with analysis collision data, the site is checked for suitability and then speed is checked. If all the rules imposed by DfT are met and no other engineering solution is appropriate, a recommendation is made to the Cabinet Member. Local councils are notified of new sites.

Cost

We provide the box, the electricity supply, signage and the road lines at an approximate cost of £10,000. TVP provide the camera at a cost of approximately £30,000, service the camera, develop the film and process offenders.

Approximate annual running cost is around £8,000 per camera per year.

Fines

Fines are either fixed penalty (£60 and three points) or for more serious cases, the Magistrates' courts have wider powers to impose higher fines and to disqualify drivers.

Many motorists believe that safety cameras are there to increase revenue and catch people out. This is not the case, they are there to save lives.