Birmingham has begun installing its first new average speed enforcement cameras on a major city artery as part of a declared road safety emergency. The work is currently underway on the A45 Coventry Road.
Enforcing a New Lower Limit for Safety
The new cameras are being introduced to enforce a recent speed limit reduction on this stretch of road. The limit has been cut from 40mph to 30mph as part of a wider initiative affecting 27 roads across Birmingham. The specific camera installation will extend the existing enforcement zone from Berkley Road to Bordesley Middleway.
Birmingham City Council has been clear that the primary motivation is improving safety, not generating income. A council spokesperson emphasised that they would be pleased if "not a single fine was issued", as the objective is to change driver behaviour and reduce risk.
How the Cameras Work and Are Funded
Unlike traditional spot-speed cameras, average speed cameras calculate a vehicle's speed over a longer distance. This technology is proven to encourage consistently safe driving and reduce the severity of collisions.
Significantly, the funding for this new safety measure comes from Clean Air Zone (CAZ) net surplus revenues. This means money collected from motoring charges is being directly reinvested into road safety projects. The six planned locations for the new camera systems were selected based on historical data concerning the number and seriousness of past traffic incidents.
Next Steps for Drivers
Before the cameras go live and enforcement begins, all necessary signage will be erected in full compliance with the Highway Code and national regulations. In the meantime, temporary signs are in place to alert motorists to the ongoing installation work on the A45 Coventry Road.
This installation marks the first of six new average speed camera sites planned for Birmingham, representing a significant step in the city's strategy to tackle its road safety emergency.
