Decision awaited on speed cameras for death road

HIGH-tech average speed cameras could still be installed on the Forty Foot Bank Road between Ramsey and Chatteris, but only if the Government approves them this month, according to Cambridgeshire County Council. Last week The Hunts Post reported that afte

HIGH-tech average speed cameras could still be installed on the Forty Foot Bank Road between Ramsey and Chatteris, but only if the Government approves them this month, according to Cambridgeshire County Council.

Last week The Hunts Post reported that after months of waiting for Government approval for the new type of cameras, CCC was resorting to its back-up plan, using speed cameras currently in use, such as those on the A14.

However, this week Amanda Mays, team leader of CCC's road safety engineering unit, said the council still preferred the latest design and was still hopeful Government approval would come through in time.

The new cameras can communicate with each other using radio waves, removing the need to lay cables in the soft Fenland ground.

She told The Hunts Post: "We are hoping to hear that the system has approval within the next month or so, and if all goes through smoothly, we will obviously simply proceed with installation of the new system."

She added: "The new system would be easier to install and operate than the existing type.

"Putting average cameras along this road is a priority for us and to make sure we start work this financial year we are working closely with the supplier to produce a flexible scheme where, if necessary, we could install the current average camera system."

However this assurance did not satisfy safety campaigners, councillors Ray Powell and Peter Downes.

Cllr Powell told The Hunts Post: "The county council is dragging its feet. We can't afford to lose any more lives along that road."

Cllr Downs, a county and district councillor, added: "How many more lives do we have to lose before the council actually moves? Every passing day is another day of danger.