Speeding: Councillor calls for new cameras in Basingstoke

Cllr Simon Minas-Bound put forth the compelling proposal in a recent full council meeting on Thursday, October 19 to buy state-of-the-art automated average speed cameras to enhance road safety and provide support to dedicated Speedwatch volunteers.

He highlighted the need for action in his question to the council leader.

Cllr Minas-Bound said: "Given the persistent issues of vehicles exceeding the 30mph speed limit within our ward and I specifically mean roads like the A340, which not only endangers our residents but also presents significant challenges to our Speedwatch volunteers, I would like to draw your attention to an initiative implemented by our neighbors in East Hampshire district council.

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"They have equipped their Speedwatch community with state-of-the-art automated average speed cameras. These cameras not only minimise the need for manual speed recording by volunteers but also directly feed into Hampshire and the Isle of Wight constabulary, aiding them in identifying speeding hotspots and enforcing speed limits more effectively.

"Such an investment would not only make the task safer for our volunteers, but it would also significantly enhance our ability to monitor and tackle the issues of speeding through our wards."

Cllr Simon Minas-Bound (Image: Newquest)

Council leader Paul Harvey acknowledged the widespread issue of speeding in the community and the need for innovative solutions.

He said: "Your idea of the cameras is actually something many councils have already been active on taking up. For example, the police have already been supporting Speedwatch groups with speed guns and flashing warning signs. Indeed, the borough council has four such signs, as you know."

However, he highlighted some challenges in implementing the proposed ANPR cameras and said: "We need Hampshire to work out their approach now for how we can deploy them on their lampposts and their street furniture because we no longer act as the county's agents for traffic management or road safety capacity.

"I think we shouldn't make a promise we can't keep, not least when it involves Hampshire County Council, given their financial circumstances at this moment in time."

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Cllr Minas-Bound acknowledged the complexities of the issue but he called for a proactive approach from the council.

He added: "We have a very, very constructive community safety partnership. We also know the conversations we've had with the district commander about their investment for handheld speed cameras. I wonder whether I could ask the administration to bring something to the community partnership to discuss."

Cllr Harvey assured that the council would consider the proposal.