Over 4,200 Drivers Caught by Speed Cameras in Cumbria Village Since October
More than 4,200 motorists have been caught speeding within months of new speed cameras being installed on a popular route in the North East of England. The enforcement measures were introduced in October last year, targeting the A595 at Holmrook, near Seascale in Cumbria.
High-Risk Corridor Identified
The A595 at Holmrook has frequently been identified as a high-risk corridor due to speeding vehicles, prompting local authorities to take action. A councillor expressed surprise at the data revealing the high number of offenders since the cameras became operational.
Data-Driven Road Safety Approach
Inspector Jack Stabler, Chair of the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership, explained the strategy behind the initiative. "Since April 2023, the Partnership has been guided by the Cumbria Road Harm Index, a five-year evidence base that identifies geographical areas of high harm," he said. "This data-driven approach enables partner agencies to implement targeted interventions that improve safety for all road users."
Local Support and Concerns
Parish and Cumberland Council member Andy Pratt supported the use of speed cameras, noting that speeding vehicles were "quite frightening" for motorists. However, the Conservative councillor for Millom Without raised concerns about the effectiveness of fines. "They'll be collecting a lot of fines, I imagine," he said. "But what's that money doing to help reduce the speed? If there are that many being caught, it's not doing its job yet."
Commitment to Road Safety
A spokesperson for Cumbria Police emphasized that the speed camera in Holmrook is an investment in road safety for the community and that stretch of road. Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council's Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, added: "We know how important road safety is to our communities, and we're listening. These new cameras are a direct response to local concerns and are part of our commitment to making Cumberland's roads safer for everyone."
She further stated that working in partnership with Cumbria Police, meaningful steps are being taken to reduce speeding and prevent accidents, underscoring the ongoing efforts to enhance safety on the roads.
