Caithness average speed cameras that detected ‘zero offences’ last year to go live again
Average speed cameras on a north coast road that were previously branded “a missed opportunity” are set to go live again next week.
Police Scotland’s North Safety Camera Unit is reinstating the temporary cameras on the A836 between Reay and Thurso.
During a two-month trial in September and October last year, which the unit described as “successful” because it saw average speeds reduced on the stretch, zero speeding offences were recorded.
That led Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor Matthew Reiss to offer a scathing response, and he claimed at the time that the cameras had been placed in the wrong positions to detect speeders on the Forss straight.
“Of course there were zero offences, as it was virtually impossible to do an average speed high enough through all the corners and bends to breach the threshold,” he said at the end of the trial period.
“The cameras should have been at each end of the two straight high-speed sections of the A836, namely the Forss straight and at Balmore. If we had been consulted about this then this bizarre situation would not have developed.
“Unfortunately, this very costly exercise looks like a missed opportunity to reduce serious accidents on this part of the NC500. The risks remain.”
The trial is now set to rerun through the busier period from spring through to autumn, when the road sees an increase in traffic due to the North Coast 500 as well as from local vehicles.
Related articles:
• ‘Missed opportunity’ claim as A836 speed cameras detect zero offences
• NC500 road between Reay and Thurso to see average speed cameras go live
• Average speed cameras will be a first for Caithness
The North Safety Camera Unit said that monthly speed surveys would be carried out to monitor vehicle speeds and traffic volumes, and to help determine the deployment strategy. However, at this stage it expects the cameras to be in place until after the peak summer months.
Councillor Ken Gowans, chairman of Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, said: “I am pleased that average speed cameras will be reinstated on this busy route in peak season.
“Speed limits make the roads safer for all road users, including passengers, cyclists and pedestrians, and I hope that the reintroduction of speed enforcement will remind drivers of the importance of speed compliance and road safety, especially on a route as popular as they travel on the beautiful North Coast 500.”
Eric Dunion, North Safety Camera Unit manager, said: “Whilst this location would not normally meet the criteria to become a permanent location, the short-term deployment scheme gives us the flexibility to be at locations where we believe there will be a change in traffic behaviour.
“It is hoped this extension of last year’s trial will again result in speed limit compliance by all types of vehicles and help to meet our aim of making our roads safer for all users”.
