New cameras on A14

A new stretch of average speed cameras covering 14 miles are being installed on the A14 in Cambridgeshire – the second longest in the UK.

The cameras will be going up between Huntingdon and Cambridge from January 22 – with the aim of reducing accidents. 

The new cameras are only beaten in length by a 32mile stretch of cameras on the A77 in Strathclyde.

An official statement says: “We hope that this new camera system will help to make the A14 safer. 

The number of road casualties on the A14 in Cambridgeshire, although below the national average, is unacceptably high.”

The new camera system, which calculates the average speed along a length of road, will be installed between the Spittals Interchange (Junction 23) and the Girton Interchange (Junction 31).
 
Work starts on Monday 22 January, 2007 for 12 weeks and will be done overnight, when traffic flows are lower: Monday to Thursday between 8pm and 6am, Fridays 9pm to 9am and Saturdays 7pm and 11am. 

During the work there will be overnight single lane closures and a temporary 40mph speed limit. 

There will also be some overnight carriageway and slip road closures, and these will be publicised in advance.

What isn’t explained is why the authorities think the cameras will help improve the behaviour of drivers in terms of driving too close to the car in front, using mobile phones and the wearing of seatbelts – all listed as causes of accidents on this stretch of road.

The statements added: “Analysis of crashes and information from the police show that the major factors involved in incidents on the A14 include motorists driving too fast and too close for the conditions as well as people using their mobile phones on the move and not wearing seatbelts.”

Tell us what you think by emailing mcn.online@emap.com. 

How can cameras stop people using their mobile phones? Or not wearing a seatbelt? Let us know. 

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Police Inspector Andy Chatfield, Cambridgeshire Police, said: “Average Speed Cameras will make a major contribution to making the A14 a safer road to travel on and will encourage freer flowing traffic. 

“Experience of similar projects has shown that more motorists comply with the speed limit over the length of the zone reducing the concertina effect of traffic speeding up and then slowing down. 

“The works are being carried out at times to minimise the disruption to motorists. 

“They will be well signed and I would urge everyone to drive within the signed limits and their own capabilities.”

For further information about the Highways Agency and on driving safely through roadworks visit: http://www.highways.gov.uk (external site), Check out: www.thinkA14.co.uk (external site) for more information about the A14 and the road safety campaign.