Funding threat to speed cameras in Norfolk

Abolishing speed cameras on Norfolk roads is to be considered by county councillors at a meeting next week.

The environment, transport and development overview and scrutiny panel is responding to a 40% cut in road safety grants by the government.

Councillors will also consider cuts to road improvements, safety education initiatives and road law enforcement.

Some 400 people are killed or seriously injured every year on Norfolk roads, the panel report says.

The first option under consideration is to abolish all speed camera enforcement and safety education work.

A second possibility is to abolish speed camera enforcement but continue road safety work at a cost of £100,000 a year.

'Key risk'

The third option is to have a minimum core level of enforcement and some safety work, costing £600,000 a year.

The last possible choice is no change and for the county council to fund existing schemes at a cost of £950,000 a year.

"The key risk with the removal or reduction in the amount of safety camera enforcement is that it may lead to more people being killed or injured on the county's roads," a panel report said.

"Costs could be reduced by £250,000 to £330,000 if the council and police re-invested income from speed awareness courses that are offered to drivers caught marginally over speed limits.

"Fines from safety cameras go to the government, not the county council or the safety camera partnership."