Wednesday, 28 October 2009 09:21

The following verbatim media statement was issued in response to a question regarding the number of Fixed Penalty Notices issued across Sussex in the past four years from the most activated cameras.

Is there a reason why two of the cameras are located in Brighton?

Brighton has the highest population density of any major conurbation in Sussex.  It is also the biggest ‘influx of tourists within our area.  This means that there is a higher volume of traffic on the roads consistently throughout the year than other locations in the County.
For example, Preston Road has an average traffic flow of 23,000 vehicles using the road each and every day.  Marine Square has a similar number.

Is there a reason for the decline of a third of the most profiitable camera in the last four years?
Is it a sign of the roads becoming safer or are drivers becoming more aware of speed camera locations?

The above questions are answered together. 

Nationally, evidence shows that the percentage of motorists breaking the speed limit is decreasing. 

We believe that this shows a greater awareness of the consequences of excess and inappropriate speeds on all roads.  In Sussex, the combination of education initiatives and enforcement operations conducted by the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership are contributing to an overall awareness of speed limits and the dangers of inappropriate/excess speed – and therefore we believe contributing to increased compliance levels.

This greater awareness and compliance may be a factor behind the decline in the number of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued by the camera in question.

Furthermore, the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership offers a Speed Awareness Course for drivers detected at 36/37 mph in a 30mph zone and 46/47mph in a 40mph zone. 
When a motorist opts to accept a Speed Awareness Course rather than a Fixed Penalty Notice and points on their licence, their offence naturally does not show up in the number of FPNs issued for a particular site.  This is also contributing to lower number of FPNs being issued throughout Sussex.


Additional information supplied in response to questions about specifc camera activation levels and traffic flows.

Preston Road – average approximate vehicles per day: 23,000

A21 John’s Cross - average approximate vehicles per day: 17,000.  This camera is no longer in situ:  road developments and improvements have meant that the camera no longer satisfied its original criteria for installation, so it was removed.
The SSRP monitors all cameras against all of their original installation criteria and, if road developments or other facts negate any original conditions, the camera is recommended for removal.

Gatwick Road - average approximate vehicles per day: 16,500

A259 Marine Parade - average approximate vehicles per day: 23,000

The grant received by the SSRP from Government is currently based on casualty data between1994 – 1998.  This grant was made available for four years and will expire in March 2011.  The grant amount bears no correlation to the number of Fixed Penalty Notices issued in Sussex each year.