GREG CLARK’S campaign to have Speedwatch data taken into account when deciding where to locate speed cameras has been successful.
The MP for Tunbridge Wells wanted to change the policy on the location of new fixed safety cameras.
In a letter to Mr Clark, Kent Police’s Head of Roads Policing, Chief Inspector Richard Smeed, has confirmed that this will now happen.
“Previously, the criteria for installing speed cameras was based on the number of fatal or serious accidents along a particular stretch of road,” said Mr Clark.
“I thought that it should also take into account Speedwatch data as it provides accurate information on where people are regularly breaking the speed limit.
“It has taken many months, but at last there is good news.
“Kent Police’s new Head of Roads Policing has confirmed that information from Community Speedwatch schemes will now be taken into account when assessing the location of new road safety cameras.
“I am delighted that Kent Police has decided to change its approach – it’s a great start to 2018.”
Mr Clark’s campaign started in 2016, when he invited Kent’s new Police & Crime Commissioner [PCC], Matthew Scott, to meet members of Hawkhurst Speedwatch.
The local group had observed the highest proportion of speeders compared to any other Speedwatch scheme in the whole of Kent, and they wanted fixed speed cameras to be installed.
Two serious accidents took place in Hawkhurst in the autumn – on September 24 three people died after a car crashed into a wall, and on October 22 two people were injured.
After these incidents, Mr Clark expressed his frustration to both the police and Kent Highways on the lack of progress regarding this policy change and asked them to urgently reconsider their positions.
