THE future of controversial average speed cameras in North East Lincolnshire has been thrown into doubt with the public outcry over those on Peaks Parkway prompting a review.
The announcement comes as eight cameras were installed on the Laceby Bypass this week – and taken down again within hours – after officials realised they had been put up by mistake.
Motorists contacted the Grimsby Telegraph to say the cameras had been put up along the bypass, concerned that there had been no public notifications.
But yesterday morning, engineers took down the equipment following a "communications error" between North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) and the contractor.
Today, the authority confirmed a review is being carried out into the effectiveness of the system in relation to road safety statistics, following the public's reaction to their use on Peaks Parkway. It comes as the average speed cameras caught a high-profile offender – Humberside's Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Grove.
An NELC statement said: "Plans to install speed cameras on the Laceby bypass have been put on hold while NELC reviews issues raised by local motorists and residents.
"The installation of the digital cameras on both Peaks Parkway and Laceby Bypass are part of a road safety programme contained within the Local Transport Plan.
"The Peaks Parkway cameras were the first phase of installation, to be followed by the Laceby installation.
"However, as a result of the recent public concern with regards the Peaks Parkway camera operation, the council has instigated a review of the effectiveness of the new camera system in terms of road safety statistics.
"As such, the council had taken the decision to delay installation at Laceby.
"Unfortunately, due to a communications error with the contractor, installation had commenced as originally scheduled; those cameras have now been removed until a decision is reached pending the review."
Since the system on the Parkway came into force, scores of motorists have been fined for exceeding the 30mph speed limit.
Jason Longhurst, head of development, added: "The use of cameras is part of our overarching road safety approach, however, given the public concern raised with respect to the Peaks Parkway camera operation, we have delayed the installation of the Laceby Road cameras until we have fully assessed the safety effectiveness of the system on Peaks Parkway."
Meanwhile, Mr Grove told how he is "disappointed" that his driving was "not to the required standard".
Mr Grove said: "I attended a Question Time event in Grimsby on October 4 and left at about 9.30pm.
"I subsequently received a letter informing me my speed had been recorded at 36mph on Peaks Parkway. I this week received a further letter with a conditional offer notice to attend a speed awareness course with a fee of £95, which I have accepted.
"I am disappointed my driving was not to the required standard on this occasion."
The review will look into the effect average speed cameras have on road safety, which prompted the installation of fixed speed cameras on the Laceby bypass in 2009.
Figures reveal that in the four years prior to this, there were 66 accidents resulting in injury; in the four years since, there have been only two.
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