Force to double its fleet of speed camera vans

Simon Foster (right) says the funding will double the fleet of speed camera vans in the West Midlands.

The West Midlands police and crime commissioner (PCC) has committed £188,000 to double the region's fleet of mobile speed camera vans.

Simon Foster said it meant the force could monitor more "hot spots" to catch speeding drivers.

He said he had invested £130,000 to purchase three new vans – and approved funding for a fourth worth £58,000 to bring the number to eight in total.

Foster added that road safety was a top priority and pledged to work towards halving the number of people killed and seriously injured on West Midlands roads by 2030.

"Speeding is a major factor in road collisions, and it's something I and West Midlands Police are determined to tackle," he said.

"This investment, via the Safer Streets Fund, will significantly enhance our ability to catch speeding drivers and make our roads safer for everyone."

The speed camera vans are able to operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week, said the PCC, whose area covers Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Those caught driving above the speed limit can be fined up to £1,000 and have penalty points added to their driving license.

'Mindset change'

Supt Gareth Mason, who heads up the force's roads policing unit, said the additional vans would enable officers to be more visible in communities and send a strong message that speeding is unacceptable

"This will dramatically strengthen our capacity to enforce the law across our road network," he said.

"Our aim is to change the mindset of motorists. Drive safe and don't put others at risk."