Bitterne Road West: Councillor calls for average speed cameras

Councillor Simon Letts has requested average speed checks on Bitterne Road West in a meeting with Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones.

He said that road safety "should be a priority for the PCC".

It comes after a huge crash last week saw a car end up on its side and a garden destroyed.

There have been three collisions on the 30mph dual-carriageway so far this year, with residents calling for speed cameras to the slow vehicles down.

Councillor Simon Letts (Image: NQ)

It is around the corner from the Maybray King way speed camera, which was previously recognised as the most prolific speed camera in the UK.

But Cllr Letts, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and corporate services, as well as ward member for Peartree, has backed a petition from residents of the road.

Labour's Cllr Letts said: “I had a meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner where I requested, on behalf of residents, an average speed check on Bitterne Road West.

READ MORE: Three people taken to hospital after BMW left resting on its side in crash

“Road safety should be a priority for the PCC, not protecting law breaking motorists from prosecution.”

A Bitterne Road West resident's front garden after a crash on Thursday October 10. (Image: Newsquest) An online petition on change.org was set up by residents on October 12 and currently has 300 signatures at the time of writing.

While the page for the community movement demanded immediate action, they did also suggest that other traffic calming measures could be used, such as placing more 30mph signs leading up to the existing stationary camera on Maybray King Way.

Cllr Letts believes that these would not deter drivers enough though, saying: “[Average speed cameras] would be the most effective way of forcing the small minority of drivers that think the law doesn’t apply to them.

“[It would be the most effective way] to obey the law and save lives.”

Thursday October 10's three car crash caused delays for hours. (Image: Adriana Goworek) A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: “The safety of those using our roads in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is of utmost importance, and our Roads Policing Unit and Roads Safety team work tirelessly to protect motorists, relentlessly pursue those committing offences and ensure the roads are a safe place for all.

“We consistently monitor reports of incidents and issues to ensure the right resources are in place and we are doing all we can to achieve this.

READ MORE: Traffic near Riverside Park after car transporter gets stuck

“As part of this, we have held discussions with Southampton City Council about speed cameras in the city.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, said: "My thoughts are with all those who have been affected by the recent crash on Bitterne Road West.

"I had a meeting with Councillor Simon Letts about this location, and I am doing everything I can to ensure that highways authorities recognise their part as the decision makers.

“One of my priorities as Police Commissioner is to work with partners to identify opportunities to promote road safety to reduce death and serious injury on our roads including civil engineering solutions. The long term response to ensure our roads are as safe as possible is education, speed reduction, and improvements in traffic calming measures by highways authorities.

“I am pleased to confirm that I will support Southampton City Council if they choose to reintroduce speed cameras.”