Police panel chief in camera call to catch those drivers who break 20 limit

A CHAIRWOMAN of a police panel encouraged councillors to ask their local authorities to install more fixed speeding cameras to catch drivers exceeding 20mph.

- By RICHARD EVANS

The North Wales Police and Crime Panel met for their June meeting at Conwy's Coed Pella HQ and heard how drivers had been caught driving at 51mph, 61mph, and 83mph in 20mph zones.

The panel were given a presentation on road policing by Supt Simon Barrasford in which members were briefed on speeding figures since the 20mph default speed limit was introduced in Wales.

The panel were told the police face challenges enforcing the limit due to many drivers and holidaymakers crossing the border from England where the default 30mph speed limit still applies.

But when it was revealed that all the "top five fixed camera locations" were all in Flintshire, Supt Barrasford told the panel that councillors could request more in their area, which could be funded by Welsh Government.

Panel's chairwoman Patricia Astbury said: "In Flintshire, you've got a series of fixed cameras. Is that a local authority request? Is it historical? Has it come from Flintshire? Does that still apply? Can you still have these requests for fixed cameras?"

Supt Barrasford replied: "Absolutely. Any local authority can liaise with Welsh Government for funding and put static cameras in. We've seen them on the strategic road network with great effect on Rhuallt Hill, for example.