Oldham Liberal Democrats are calling for rules on speed cameras to be changed to save lives.  Current rules require at least three separate collisions involving deaths or serious injuries to have occurred before they are even considered.

“These rules are out of date and a straight jacket that prevents the installation of speed cameras in many areas and as a result accidents are not prevented and lives can be lost,” stated Crompton Liberal Democrat councillor Dave Murphy.  “These regulations do not include non-injury incidents which it is estimated there are a 100 of for every injury or fatality meaning there could be 300 accidents before any action is considered.  We think this is just not good enough.”

“Road fatality rates are on the increase,” said councillor Murphy.  “This is why the rules need to be changed and we in the Liberal Democrats are proposing at the next Oldham Council meeting on the 16 March action to just do that.”

“It is also a scandal that only 40% of our existing speed cameras are actually working,” stated Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes who is seconding the proposal.  “It will be at least 18 months and I bet longer before the cameras we have are up and working.  I have raised this matter at Transport for Greater Manchester more than once.  In the meantime speedsters get away with it and lives are put at risk.”

“Our proposal include writing to the Greater Manchester safety Partnership and the National Government to changes their rules and guidance. That any existing cameras are made operation as soon as possible.  And in the interests of safety all residential streets are made 20mph,” stated councillor Murphy.