The first of five new Automatic Number Plate Recognition – ANPR – cameras has been installed in Swindon as part of a pilot scheme to improve road safety.
Swindon Borough Council has confirmed the initial camera was installed last week on Okus Road. Four more sites across the borough are expected to follow in the coming months.
The 12-month trial will see ANPR technology used to scan vehicle registration plates as cars pass. If a vehicle is found to be travelling above the speed limit in designated low-speed areas, drivers could receive a warning letter.
The council said information gathered may also be shared with police.
Later this year, the cameras could also be used to check whether vehicles are insured, taxed and have a valid MOT.
If the trial is deemed successful, the council will consider rolling out the scheme to further locations in Swindon.
Councillor Chris Watts, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said:
“While data shows Swindon’s roads have lower than average incidents which cause serious injury, we are not satisfied and are committed to making local roads safer. One of the best ways to do that is to make sure people know their speed is being watched.
“While these first cameras are only a trial, I’m hopeful it will be a success, and we can bring more to the Borough to make sure we catch those that flaunt the speed limits.
“These limits are in place for a reason, to keep pedestrians and road users safe, and this work will help us to make sure they’re being followed at all times.
“This scheme is also working alongside our Safer Routes to School programme, with the five locations also being on key locations on the way to local schools.”
Westcotec’s Managing Director Chris Spinks and Sales Director Olly Samways said:
“Westcotec are proud to be supporting Swindon Borough Council with the latest trial over the next 12 months.
“Following on from successful deployments across the UK at private sites, local constabulary and community speed watch groups, it is a privilege to have been selected as the chosen supplier to assist Swindon with their road safety ambitions.
“We look forward to a successful trial and future roll out to reduce speeds and assist with collision reduction across the Borough.”
The pilot is part of a wider focus on traffic calming and school route safety in Swindon.
The council has indicated that during the trial phase, the emphasis will be on increasing awareness and visibility rather than issuing immediate fines.
They would do better to spend the money on the road surfaces,they’re wasting it on cameras to monitor speed on roads where can’t travel fast because of the potholes
Fabulous. Let’s have more… many more.