Motorists who ignore red traffic lights could soon face enforcement from new camera technology, as plans are unveiled to reintroduce these systems in the West Midlands for the first time in over a decade. Mat MacDonald, the Road Safety Commissioner for the region, highlighted this initiative as a key component of a comprehensive strategy designed to address reckless driving and work towards eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on local roads by the year 2040.
Expanding Enforcement Infrastructure
In addition to the red light cameras, Mat MacDonald has been actively involved in developing a joint working agreement that focuses on enhancing average speed enforcement measures. He expressed optimism about the potential impact, stating, "Hopefully we will see a lot more average speed enforcement infrastructure delivered this year, which we know will without doubt have an impact on the number of collisions taking place." This multi-faceted approach aims to create a safer driving environment through increased monitoring and stricter adherence to traffic laws.
Funding and Implementation Plans
The rollout of red light cameras is being supported through collaborative efforts between Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority. Specific sites are currently under consideration, with funding allocated to pilot the cameras in identified hotspots. Mat MacDonald explained, "Birmingham City Council are looking at a few sites themselves, and we are also finding a pot of funding from the Combined Authority that can be used by the other six local authorities to deliver a pilot set of red light cameras." The pilot programme will assess the effectiveness of these cameras in reducing collisions and improving pedestrian safety at crossings, providing valuable data to inform future decisions.
Broader Road Safety Measures
Beyond camera enforcement, the West Midlands is exploring additional strategies to enhance road safety. This includes the potential implementation of 20mph speed limits in certain areas, drawing on evidence from regions like Wales and London where such limits have proven effective in reducing accidents. Mat MacDonald emphasised the importance of gathering region-specific data to guide local authorities in setting appropriate speed limits. He noted, "We want to have some good region-specific data on that which can inform our guidance for local authority partners on what speed limits should be."
Current Enforcement and Future Initiatives
Previously, red light jumpers in the West Midlands could only be penalised if caught by police officers or through footage submitted by the public to Operation Snap, a West Midlands Police initiative. The introduction of automated cameras represents a significant shift towards more consistent and widespread enforcement. Other proposed safety enhancements include:
- Closing roads to traffic around schools to protect children.
- Expanding cycling infrastructure to encourage safer active travel options.
- Further reductions in speed limits on key regional routes, such as the Hagley Road, where limits have already been lowered from 40mph to 30mph.
These measures collectively aim to create a comprehensive framework for improving road safety across the West Midlands, addressing both immediate risks and long-term goals for collision reduction.
