PARTNERSHIP ASKS MOTORISTS TO OBSERVE THEIR SPEED IN ROADWORKS

A serious accident will occur on the M4 in Swansea unless motorists observe the temporary speed restrictions in place along a stretch of roadworks, experts at the Safety Camera Partnership warned today.

During a six-and-a-half hour period of camera enforcement this week, more than 600 motorists were recorded exceeding the restricted speed limit of 50mph at Junction 46, Llangyfelach. The top speed recorded was 86 mph.

The roadworks commenced on 14 September for a period of approximately two months, or until completion of the works, which are addressing ‘bridge structure maintenance’ on Pont Lasau Bridge, Neath Port Talbot.

John Rowling, project manager of the Safety Camera Partnership, which is responsible for speed and red light camera enforcement in the South Wales, Dyfed Powys and Gwent police force areas, warned that travelling at these high speeds not only results in a fine and points on the licence but, more importantly, endangers the innocent lives of other people.

“We have serious concerns over the unacceptable speeds driven through the roadworks. The roadworks mean a temporary speed limit is necessary to ensure the safety of road users and operatives while lane width is restricted. Travelling at inappropriate speeds under these circumstances is a prescription for disaster and can lead to serious consequences for other road users,” said Mr Rowling. “We will continue to enforce the restriction (both East and Westbound) on this stretch of road and appeal to all motorists to slow down and put safety first.”

The number of fatalities on South Wales roads has reduced by 25 per cent since the formation of the Partnership in 2000. However, the number of fatal collisions along the M4 has more than doubled over a three-year period. The Safety Camera Partnership aims to reduce these numbers through a combination of law-enforcement, education and engineering initiatives.

The Safety Camera Partnership was set up in South Wales in April 2000 under a piloted Government scheme allowing capital for the purchase of speed and red light cameras and enforcement equipment to be funded from fixed penalty revenue. It was extended to cover the Gwent and Dyfed Powys police force areas in April this year.