M4 STATIC SPEED CAMERAS OPERATIONAL IN PORT TALBOT

Static speed cameras on the Port Talbot section of the M4 between junctions 40 and 41 are fully operational from today (12 December).

The two cameras, which are on the eastbound and westbound carriageways, have been placed in response to verified excessive speeds coupled with accident history and are painted bright yellow in line with government visibility directives.

The Safety Camera Partnership, which is responsible for static and mobile safety camera enforcement in the Gwent, South Wales and Dyfed Powys police force areas, is asking all motorists to observe the 50mph speed limit on this stretch of the M4 to avoid a serious accident from occurring. Between 1999 and 2001, there were 29 collisions in the area, with 60 people injured and seven people killed or seriously injured.

John Rowling, project manager for the Safety Camera Partnership, said: "The Government's visibility criteria means that this section of the M4 is no longer suitable for mobile camera enforcement. However, due to a spate of accidents in the vicinity, enforcement is a prime concern for the Partnership.

"Previous mobile camera enforcement at the site recorded 4,000 motorists breaking the speed limit and driving between 60 and 90mph. Motorists need to be even more alert on this stretch of the M4 because of the series of slip roads joining the motorway which is reduced to two lanes in this area. Motorists exceeding the speed limit on the carriageway do not have adequate response time to react to other drivers joining from these slip roads.

"There is substantial signing informing motorists of the restricted speed limit and also of the operation of speed cameras in this area. We would ask all motorists to observe this mandatory restriction and remain alert to other drivers joining the carriageway."