Outdated speed cameras face axe

The South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership operates 57 sites across Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley and rotates its 14 cameras around those locations.

But the introduction of new technology means that 25 of the sites are now under review, with the possibility that cameras could be replaced with flashing signs or other measures.

South Yorkshire's four councils make up the partnership and more than 800,000 has been set aside to upgrade technology at 32 sites where accident numbers are highest.

According to partnership officials the upgrade is necessary because the current set-up, which includes both Gatso and Truvelo-brand cameras, relies on the use of "wet film".

Under the new proposals the 32 sites where so-called killed and seriously injured (KSI) accidents occur most often will be equipped with brand new digital technology.

The 25 sites which are left will continue to work with traditional film cameras until the review is complete but could be removed if a more "cost effective" solution is found.

Spokesman Barry Smith of the Safety Camera Partnership said the upgrade was necessary for several reasons, but mainly because existing equipment was now outdated.

He added: "What we are looking at is a progression through to new technology and we need to review each camera.

"The sites which have the highest level of KSI accidents will be equipped with digital technology first. We will look at other sites to see if there are other viable alternatives.

"But we must be able to guarantee that the alternative method would deliver the same, if not better levels of casualty reduction than we have already seen with a speed camera.

"If we were to identify where there was a positive alternative and we could guarantee the same results we would consider that. If not we will look to upgrade the camera to digital."

In some cases Gatso and Truvelo cameras have been in the same location for almost two decades and workers at the partnership are concerned that film and parts will become scarce.

At least one old-style camera has already been removed from its position in Upper Hanover Street, Sheffield, and more could follow when the partnership's review is complete.

In North Yorkshire, the opposite is the case, speed cameras finally being introduced. The county was the last remaining in Britain without fixed cameras, but 28 sites have now been earmarked.

The decision has been unpopular with some local politicians, the deputy leader of North Yorkshire County Council, John Watson, saying they were not needed.

He said: "My own personal predisposition is strongly against fixed speed cameras. Usually when I tell people that North Yorkshire is the only council without fixed speed cameras, they say long may it continue."

Camera alternatives which may be used in South Yorkshire include speed indicator devices, which flash up a speed as a driver approaches, or vehicle activated signs which warn motorists to slow down.

Mr Smith said: "We would not rule these alternatives out, but we will have to carry out an in-depth study into how effective that alternative would be in reducing accidents.

"We would not want to take a camera out and then find that any alternative equipment was not performing to the same level to stop speeding."

South Yorkshire Police Authority's business support committee, must approve the 800,000 purchase of new equipment and will consider a report from the partnership tomorrow.