SEVERN BRIDGE TOLL BOOTH SPEED LIMIT ENFORCED

Mobile speed cameras are to enforce the reduced speed limit on the M4 westbound approach to the Severn Bridge toll booth in a bid to cut accidents, the Safety Camera Partnership advised today.

A new 50mph speed limit was introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government at the beginning of August following a history of road collisions and high speeds. In the last three years, there have been 13 collisions resulting in casualties at the toll booth, with top speeds in excess of 120mph on the approach.

John Rowling, manager of the Safety Camera Partnership, which is responsible for static, mobile and red light camera enforcement in the Dyfed Powys, South Wales and Gwent police force areas, said that the speed limit had been reduced following complaints from health and safety officials at the toll booth and the high incidence of accidents.

“The majority of accidents have occurred because motorists fail to slow down on the approach to the toll booth and then collide with stationery vehicles, injuring innocent, law-abiding motorists. Officials at the toll booth have also expressed concerns for the safety of workers because of the speeds driven,” he said.

Superintendent Nigel Russell, head of roads policing at Gwent Police, added: “We have been working closely with the Highways Agency and WAG to ensure that the reduced speed limit and enforcement are clearly signed to give motorists adequate opportunities to reduce their speed.

“Mobile camera enforcement of the 50mph speed limit will be undertaken and the enforcement vehicle will be clearly visible. Motorists are asked to comply with the new limit which has been introduced for the safety of personnel working at the tolls and other road users.”

For more information about the Mid and South Wales Safety Camera Partnership, please visit www.checkyourspeed.org.uk.