New flexible deployment location - King's Drive, Arbroath

Concerns regarding vehicle speeds have led to King’s Drive, Arbroath, which makes up part of the National Cycling Networks Route 1, being identified as a flexible deployment location by the North Safety Camera Unit with enforcement due to start next week.

Whilst this road doesn’t meet the normal strict criteria in place to become a permanent enforcement location it does meet the requirements for the new flexible deployment scheme. The scheme has been introduced to enable the unit to enforce at locations of concern for a maximum of three months. During this time the objective will be to support improved driver behaviour and speed limit compliance encouraging pedestrians and cyclists usage in the area.  

Kenny Sutherland, Manager North Safety Camera Unit says ” The flexible deployment scheme provides us with a new opportunity to further enhance our partnership working with the local authority and the community in locations where concerns raised are evidenced due to the speed of vehicles travelling but which do not meet our normal deployment criteria.  Our Safety Camera Vans will be enforcing along King’s Drive during the next 12 weeks providing a visible deterrent to modify driver behaviour and targeting vehicles travelling in excess of the speed limit. The speed limits are in place for the safety of all road users and it is essential that they are adhered to for this reason.”

Angus Council Communities Convener Mark Salmond said: “We support measures that address issues of speeding and anti-social driving in Angus, whether through education or enforcement. Reducing excessive vehicle speed is an essential way of ensuring that our roads and places are safe for everyone.”

Denise Hamilton, Head of Communications, Cycling Scotland said: “Tackling speeding and other dangerous driving is essential to keep everyone safe on our roads and this enforcement action in Arbroath is welcome to ensure people are safer when cycling, walking, wheeling or driving. Cycling has huge health and environmental benefits and we need to support more people to travel safely by bike. More dedicated bike lanes, separated from traffic are the top priority to improve cycling safety with enforcement and education also essential to improve road safety for all."

Jim Egan who had raised concerns for speed in the area said: “I am one of many people who regularly use Victoria Park in Arbroath to exercise dogs, as well as football pitch facilities provided for both kids and adults, which runs alongside King's Drive with a speed limit of 20 mph with adequate signposting including road marking.  Many drivers use the road to leisurely park up in King's Drive to view over the North Sea, others use the road mainly to avoid going through the town, yet a minority completely disregard the permitted speed limit. It’s only a matter of time before an accident occurs either to a pedestrian or dog, so it would be prudent to deter this irresponsible practice by frequently utilising a Mobile Camera Unit.

 For further information on Safety Cameras Scotland please see www.safetycameras.gov.scot