Cameras net £130,000 in town over three years (From The Bolton News)

Cameras net £130,000 in town over three years

8:47am Monday 7th January 2013 in News

FEWER motorists are being caught by speed cameras in Bolton, but they still brought in more than £130,000 in three years, new figures reveal.

And the town’s hotspot camera locations have been identified, after a Freedom of Information request by The Bolton News.

A total of 2,220 drivers were hit with a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence between 2009 and 2011, but the numbers caught are falling.

In 2009, 863 motorists received a fixed penalty and the total revenue was £51,780.

The following year, 773 motorists were caught and the revenue was £46,380.

In 2011, 584 drivers were fined and the revenue amounted to £35,040.

The biggest revenue-maker was the camera in Bury Road, near Torridon Road, Breightmet, which made £16,500 in 2009.

Other hotspots include Manchester Road, near Teak Drive, Kearsley, which made £10,200 in 2011, and Chorley New Road at the junction of Lindsay Street, Horwich, which made £9,240.

The lowest revenue makers have also been revealed.

The camera at Newbrook Road, Over Hulton, caught just two motorists in 2010, making just £120.

And the one at Chorley Road, near Wimberry Hill Road, Westhoughton, caught three in 2009, making £180.

Inspector Philip Bromley, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “It is good news to see that the number of motorists exceeding the speed limits at these locations has reduced. “I know many people see these devices as revenue raisers, but it is about changing driver behaviour and making motorists realise that speeding is dangerous.

“Drivers need to remember that they are not the only road users, and there are many unexpected things that can happen in front of you when you are travelling along a road.

“Driving within the speed limit, and also at an appropriate speed for the road conditions, will give more time and distance to react to hazards and reduce the chance of a fatality or serious injury if a collision does occur."

Hugh German, of Bolton Advanced Motorists, said: “Most people seem to think it is a form of revenue.

“I don’t think that is the main purpose of them. People often drive too quickly in restricted areas.

“But I think since the price of fuel has gone up, it has affected people’s speed. People are doing less journeys and driving more economically.

“If people take one of our advanced courses, they will learn how to drive more economically.

“It is encouraging that the figures have got lower, but it is still too many and people need to be more observant of the speed limit.”

He added: “You will notice on St Peter’s Way, drivers will slow down for the camera, then speed up, and slow down for the next camera. That is not a good thing to do from any point of view.”