Safety Camera scheme launched in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s first ‘fixed’ safety cameras came into operation on 1 July under the slogan; ‘We want to stop you speeding – not catch you speeding!’

Cameras have initially been placed at three sites in Belfast under the Northern Ireland Safety Camera Scheme. In addition, the scheme - a partnership between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and a number of Government departments and agencies – will increase the number of mobile cameras available to police from five to seven.

There will be an ongoing roll-out of more fixed cameras. At the outset there will be enforcement at more than 80 locations with a history of collisions and evidence of speeding. These will be covered by either fixed or mobile cameras.

Launching the scheme, Superintendent Ian Hamill, head of the Police Service’s Road Policing Development Unit, explained that it aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries at clearly identified hotspots through targeted speed detection and enforcement - and by encouraging drivers to change their attitudes and behaviour.

"Speed is not something to be proud of," he said. "We need to make sure that the driving public comes to view it to be just as shameful as drink driving. Essentially we want to stop people speeding … not catch them speeding."

Northern Ireland Office Minister, Angela Smith, MP, added: "The Safety Camera Scheme has the potential to bring about a major reduction in excessive speed and that will undoubtedly reduce deaths and serious injuries significantly.

"Government is determined to deal with the speed problem. The police service is committed to enforcement. But I appeal to all drivers: Play your part – work with us and slow down."