Mayor Dave Hodgson announces further expansion of popular average speed camera programme

Mayor Dave Hodgson has announced another expansion of his popular programme to install average speed cameras where local communities have called for them.

The extension of the programme is in defiance of the government's refusal to reinvest any of the fines generated to the local area, and instead to hoard the cash in Whitehall.

In response to residents in communities across the borough naming action on speeding as a top priority, in 2012 Mayor Dave made Bedford Borough the first place in the country to introduce the more effective average speed cameras on local roads.

The first set was erected in Milton Ernest, and the village along with other communities to have cameras installed have witnessed their dramatic impact in reducing speeds. Now, as part of budget proposals published this week, another five locations are set to benefit from the improved public safety and enhanced quality of life that the cameras can deliver in speeding hotspots.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "Residents in communities were across the borough tell me that action on speeding is a clear priority for them, so it's a clear priority for me. That's why we made Bedford Borough the first place in the country to install the more effective average speed cameras on local roads, and it's why I'm announcing a further expansion of this popular programme today.

"We could do even more if central government returned some of the fines to the local area for the benefit of local road users. But this new batch of sites will mean another five communities benefit from improved road safety and quite simply a better quality of life for local residents."