Transport for London (TfL) is taking action to address the increase in speeding violations in two London boroughs, Ealing and Hillingdon, where more than 1,800 offenses were recorded in a 12-month period. This surge in speeding incidents has prompted TfL to announce plans to expand its speed camera network across the capital to improve road safety and reduce the number of speed-related collisions.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, responded to concerns raised by Labour London Assembly Member, Bassam Mahfouz, about drivers caught travelling over 100mph on the city’s roads. Khan emphasized the importance of enforcing speed limits and stated that speeders caught exceeding 100mph will be prosecuted through the courts in line with national police guidance, rather than being offered an out-of-court disposal by the police.
TfL and the police are collaborating to enhance their capacity for enforcing speeding offenses, with a target of enforcing up to one million speeding offenses per year by the end of 2024/25. This joint effort aims to serve as a deterrent to speeding across London and improve compliance with speed limits, ultimately reducing the need for enforcement measures.
Expanding the Safety Camera Network
TfL currently operates 46 safety cameras for speed and red-light enforcement in Ealing and Hillingdon. The organization has committed to expanding London’s safety camera network as part of its efforts to address speeding and speed-related collisions in the capital. Essential preparatory work is underway to ensure that all necessary elements are in place before rolling out new camera sites.
To support the expansion of the safety camera network, TfL is implementing offense processing technology, recruiting enforcement staff, re-letting safety camera contracts, and exploring new camera technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, TfL and the MPS Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC) operate mobile enforcement cameras to address speeding issues in various locations.
Engagement and Education Initiatives
In addition to enforcement measures, TfL and the RTPC conduct engagement and education sessions to tackle speeding behavior. Community Roadwatch is one such initiative that allows local residents to collaborate with Safer Transport Teams and utilize speed detection equipment to identify speeding vehicles in their communities. This proactive approach empowers communities to play a role in promoting road safety and raising awareness about the consequences of speeding.
Ealing and Hillingdon have actively participated in Community Roadwatch sessions, with Ealing conducting 20 sessions in the last 12 months and Hillingdon conducting 37 sessions during the same period. These sessions have led to the detection of numerous speeding vehicles, and warning letters are issued to offenders where appropriate. The data gathered from these sessions informs the future activities of local police teams, enabling them to target enforcement efforts effectively.
Looking Ahead
As TfL continues to work towards expanding its safety camera network and enhancing enforcement capabilities, the focus remains on promoting road safety, reducing speeding incidents, and improving compliance with speed limits. By investing in advanced technology, recruiting additional staff, and collaborating with local authorities and community members, TfL aims to create a safer and more responsible driving environment in London.
Overall, the concerted efforts of TfL, the police, and community stakeholders underscore the importance of proactive measures in addressing speeding violations and promoting a culture of safe driving on London’s roads. Through ongoing enforcement, education, and community engagement initiatives, the goal is to create a more conscientious and law-abiding driving culture that prioritizes safety for all road users.