Speed camera under spotlight

7:11am Friday 23rd March 2007

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AN URGENT investigation into one of Britain's most infamous speed cameras has been called for after it was revealed that the number of serious accidents at the scene has dramatically increased since its installation.

The camera on the southbound carriageway of the M11 at Woodford hit the headlines in 2002 when it was revealed it was catching as many as 2,000 motorists breaking the 50mph speed limit every day.

It even led to one driver taking his anger out directly on the camera, putting it out of action for some weeks.

And, worryingly, figures obtained from the Highways Agency by motorist Hamish Birchall show a sharp increase in accidents in the vicinity of the camera since it was installed in May 2001.

In the seven years prior to its installation there were only seven slight' injuries caused by accidents in the area.

But in just four years after it was up and running there were nine slight' injuries, five serious' and one fatality.

Mr Birchall said: "It is very worrying and there is absolutely no question there should be some investigation into this by the police.

"If these cameras are not working and in fact are contributing to increased accident rates that's obviously a matter of urgency."

Mr Birchall, a jazz musician from Gospel Oak, was snapped by the camera on February 15 this year after doing 65mph on his way home from a rehearsal in Epping.

He has paid his fine but says he is more interested in extra signage being put up to warn drivers to slow down earlier - leading to less accidents.

He said: "There can be absolutely no justification for keeping it there."

A spokesman for the Highways Agency blamed the accidents on increased traffic, adding: "Signs are in place to notify drivers of the change in the speed limit and the safety camera. These were further improved in 2003 in response to public concerns. We are satisfied that plenty of warning is given to drivers as they approach the camera, reduced lanes and speed limit change.

"Safety for road users is our top priority and we will continue to monitor the site as we do with all our roads."