Drivers warned about new speed cameras on A449 between Ombersley and Hartlebury - The Droitwich Standard

Drivers warned about new speed cameras on A449 between Ombersley and Hartlebury

Droitwich Editorial 30th Oct, 2021   0

WORK is now complete on the average speed cameras on a main road between Ombersley and Hartlebury.

The cameras have been installed on the 50mph stretch of the A449 in a bid to reduce speeds, improve safety and cut the number of people killed or seriously injured.

Cameras are now in place and fully operational, utilising the latest speed enforcement technology.

The system aims to influence and change driver behaviour so the speed limit is adhered to throughout the whole section of the route by enforcing an average speed across a route 24 hours of the day.




The project is a partnership between West Mercia Police, Worcestershire County Council and leading speed technology firm Jenoptik and has been made possible through funding from West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner Road Safety Fund.

Speeding, as well as inappropriate speed, can have a devastating impact on the safety of road users, increasing the risk of a collision and the severity of the consequences.


During the past three years in West Mercia, three people have been killed on the 50mph section of the A449 with a further four people suffering serious injuries. Speeding or inappropriate speed was noted in the majority of incidents as a contributory factor.

Supt Gareth Morgan from West Mercia Police said the implementation of the cameras was part of efforts to improve safety and said it was an exciting move for the force.

“There are many families that unfortunately know far too well the devastating consequences that speeding and collisions can lead to.

“Reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads is our priority and reducing the speed that people travel is a key part of this.”

Those prosecuted for speeding could face a £100 fine and three penalty points. 12 points within three years leads to a disqualification.

PCC John Campion added: “Too many people die or are seriously injured on our roads.”

He said schemes like this were a vital tool to reduce the life-changing impacts of speed and poor driver behaviour and that road safety continued to be at the heart of his work as Commissioner.

Worcestershire County Councillor Tony Miller welcomed the move and said: “Speed is a concern that is often raised by my local constituents so it is great that we can use this technology to try and reduce speeds along this stretch of the A449 and in turn reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured.”

Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council Highways, said he was pleased to be working with West Mercia Police on this use of technology, adding the new system would make the road safer for all road users.

Geoff Collins, a director at Jenoptik Traffic Solutions, added he was pleased the company could provide the enforcement technology and had now installed more than 200 systems to date.

Ongoing evaluation will be taking place and will inform future decisions over how this technology can be used in other areas of West Mercia.

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