New Speed Clampdown Begins In Walcote On A4304

Average cameras come into operation this week through the village of Walote on the A4304 between Market Harborough and Lutterworth.

Unlike fixed cameras, they measure the speed of vehicles entering the village and then exiting – those exceeding the 30 limit will be fined.

Leicestershire County Council has installed them as more drivers speed through there than in any other village between the two towns.

The year-long trial could see the cameras rolled out to other villages in the Harborough District if successful.

As the switch-on starts, leader Nick Rushton has also made a direct approach to the Government asking it to consider allowing the county council to retain the money generated from fines to cover the installation and running costs of the average speed cameras.

Once the costs have been met, the fines would then revert to the Government. Currently, all the money generated through camera fines is retained by HM Treasury.

Nick Rushton said: “We want the county’s roads to be as safe as they can be – we owe it to the communities who are affected by speeding motorists.

“If the trial is a success, we’d want to roll it out further but that’s not currently possible so I’m hoping HM Treasury will listen to our case and I’d welcome further talks.”