Motorists targeted by new mobile speed camera sites in Shropshire from today
New mobile speed camera sites targeting speeding motorists were today launched across Shropshire.
It comes after concerns were raised by residents about motorists driving too fast past their homes, risking the lives of other road users and following increased collisions in certain areas in the county.
Vicki Bristow, from the West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership, said "We are launching these sites in Shropshire and Telford to either address the high level of concern in each of the local communities or to combat those routes that are suffering from collisions.
"We hope that the presence of a speed camera will encourage drivers to change their behaviour and drive at a lower, safer speed."
The new speed enforcement sites, which launch today (Monday), will be in the form of mobile cameras on vans or bikes.
Speed cameras at Standford Bridge, Legges Way and Upper Ludstone will aim to reduce crashes and casualties.
Data will be collected while the sites are in operation to assess the impact upon traffic speed and driver behaviour.
He claimed it was "unethical" because drivers would not have been able to see the van, obscured behind a bush, until it is too late.
But the West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership insisted the van on Holyhead Road was operating legally and visible to motorists travelling in both directions.
A record number of motorists were caught speeding by cameras in the West Mercia Police force area in 2014.
The numbers of those snapped by fixed, mobile or motorway cameras has dramatically risen over the past five years, with more than 90,000 caught in 2014.
Road safety bosses across Shropshire and Mid Wales said today that fixed and mobile speed cameras were behind more fines being issued to drivers and revealed there had been a decline in road collisions since 2009.
Meanwhile, a fake speed camera put up by frustrated villagers in an attempt to slow down traffic will be allowed to stay up until a flashing speed limit sign is installed.
Shropshire Council has endorsed the yellow imitation camera in Knockin, which was put up last week amid fears that a young child could be killed by drivers speeding through the village.
