Telford vandal-hit camera will not be replaced

A controversial speed camera in Telford which has been out of action since July after being torched by vandals will not be replaced, it was revealed today.

Arsonists threw a tyre around the camera in Bennetts Bank, Wellington, before setting it alight - the fourth such attack since it was put up.

Telford & Wrekin Council, along with West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership, had been carrying out a review of the site.

Council leader, Councillor Andrew Eade, confirmed today the camera would not be replaced.

A council spokesman added: "Telford & Wrekin Council, together with the West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership, is looking at future road safety options at Bennetts Bank.

"Road safety experts are also taking the opportunity to look in detail at traffic accident trends along Bennetts Bank and Watling Street as a result of an ongoing review of static camera provision in the area."

The speed camera, the first in Shropshire, was destroyed after being set on fire for the fourth time.

West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership spokeswoman Vicki Bristow said at the time: "The site was introduced due to the collision and casualty history on the road and a demonstrated speed problem.

"In Telford & Wrekin there has been a 33 per cent reduction in personal injury collisions and a 77 per cent reduction in killed or seriously injured collisions at camera sites in the borough.

"In terms of future enforcement, we are currently working with partner agencies, including Telford & Wrekin Council and West Mercia Police, and there are a number of possibilities we are exploring including using a mobile gatso."