MADAM, In response to the letter published in the Ross Gazette of October 27th, I would like to reassure your readers that the safety camera operating on the A40 bridge at Ganarew is completely legal, and not illegally parked as the writer states.
The Safer Roads Partnership has recently started enforcement at this site at the request of the Local Authority and Highways Agency, and is in direct response to the number of collisions that have occurred along this stretch of road.
Over the last three years, there have been four serious injuries on this stretch of road, and one fatality. In addition, 25 people have suffered slight injuries in a number of collisions. Recent speed data collected at this location shows that 15 per cent of vehicles are travelling at over 79mph; enforcement officers have recorded speeds in excess of 100mph. I'm sure your readers will agree, this is downright dangerous.
Any issues with site location and parking were looked at during the site selection. The enforcement vehicle parks on a hardened verge on the bridge, and although pedestrians may occasionally use this verge, it is not a public footpath, and we are not parked there illegally.
I hope this addresses any concerns your readers may have.
Vicki Bristow, Communications Manager,
Safer Roads Partnership