Average speed cameras. Credit: Albert Bridge
Senior Devon County Council members will meet this Wednesday, 8 January, to discuss road safety improvements for the A361 corridor between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe, focusing on ongoing speeding issues.
The Gazette previously reported that the junction of Strand Lane is the worst road for speeding in North Devon.
Located on the A361 between Barnstaple and Braunton, this junction has long been a hotspot for dangerous driving.
A report, part of Item 11 on the Cabinet agenda, outlines the approval request for Phase 1 of the A361 Safer Roads Fund scheme.
The proposal includes deploying AI and speed enforcement cameras along the route, at an estimated cost of £1 million, aimed at reducing traffic collisions and fatalities in this "high-risk" area.
The government has committed £5.04 million from the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund to support the initiative.
The technology will help improve driver behaviour and reduce incidents caused by speeding, distractions, and other risky driving behaviours.
Councillors will also consider acquiring land for the installation of the cameras.
Cllr Pru Maskell, a councillor for Braunton Rural, shared her hopes for the proposal’s approval and emphasised the importance of enforcement for road safety.
“Only the police can enforce speed limits, I hope if this is the findings from their own data that they take all reasonable steps to increase enforcement for the safety of all road users.” she stated, highlighting the existing speed cameras at the Strand Lane junction and the reduced 40mph limit.
The full report will be discussed in the Cabinet meeting, and councillors will deliberate on how best to implement these safety measures to prevent further accidents and save lives.
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