West Midlands Police has doubled its fleet of mobile speed enforcement camera vans – thanks to a six-figure investment by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster.
It means the force can be stationed at even more hot spot locations across the West Midlands to help put the brakes on speeding drivers.
PCC Simon Foster has invested £130,000 to purchase three new speed camera vans – and approved additional funding for a fourth worth £58,000 to double the number of speed enforcement vehicles to eight in total.
The PCC considers road safety a top priority and has promised to work with partners to halve the number of people killed and seriously injured on West Midlands roads by 2030.
Speaking at today’s unveiling of the new speed enforcement camera vans, PCC Simon Foster said: “Speeding is a major factor in road collisions, and it’s something I and West Midlands Police are determined to tackle.
“This investment, via the Safer Streets Fund, will significantly enhance our ability to catch speeding drivers and make our roads safer for everyone.”
The PCC added: “There is no place for dangerous, reckless driving in our region. There have been far too many innocent lives lost as a result of those speeding above the limit.
“I look forward to seeing the vans out in action knowing the huge impact they will have to help improve safety on our roads.”
The speed camera vans can be in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those caught driving above the speed limit can be fined up to £1,000 and have penalty points added to their license.
Superintendent Gareth Mason, who heads up the force’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our message is clear: if you speed, you will be caught. These additional vans allow us to be more visible in communities and at known speeding hotspots, sending a strong message that speeding is unacceptable.
“Doubling the number of speed enforcement vans is a real game changer – this will dramatically strengthen our capacity to enforce the law across our road network.
“I’d like to thank the PCC for securing this level of investment as we all work together to help dramatically drive down speeds in our region. Our aim is to change the mindset of motorists. Drive safe and don’t put others at risk.”
West Midlands Police are continuing to urge members of the public to play their part in making our roads safer by submitting footage of dangerous driving to Operation Snap. If you witness or capture any incidents of careless driving, speeding, or other road traffic offences, please visit the West Midlands Police website and upload your footage via the Op Snap portal.
Every piece of evidence submitted is reviewed by officers and, where appropriate, action will be taken. Help to tackle dangerous driving and protect our communities – submit your footage to Op Snap today.
