Data captured by the electronic speed sign on the B1049 at the entrance to the village confirms that many vehicles are driving at speeds well in excess of the speed limit.
The Mobile Vehicle Activated Sign (MVAS) sign has been in situ on the B1049 heading into the village from the A14 for just under a month. It recorded one vehicle driving at an eye-watering 86mph, as well as 250 vehicles doing more than 55mph, and 31 travelling at 70mph or more.
The average speed of vehicles passing is 32mph. This is markedly below the road’s 40mph limit, meaning that no specific police action would be triggered. However the top speeds reached by some of the 2,883 drivers who pass it daily, remain a cause of concern for Impington residents.
Speed concerns
The early data backs up the feelings of some residents of The Coppice, who have been disturbed by persistent speeding at quiet times along the B1049, adjacent to their homes. It is hoped that the sign will have a positive impact on drivers’ speeds.
Stuart Norris, who was involved in the consultation that led to the speed camera installation, said: “Coppice residents are hoping the sign will make those who speed on the road think twice about exceeding the 40mph limit. I’ve noticed a decrease in the speed of vehicles since the sign was installed.”
Drivers in the village may also have noticed that the sign will light up with the words ‘Thank You’ if they are clocked travelling under the 40mph speed limit.
Previously used by the local volunteer-led Speedwatch group, the MVAS was positioned by the roadside on a tripod. Its purpose in its current location is to improve safety by reminding road users of the speed limit as they drive past it. The sign shows the speed of individual vehicles as they pass.
Next steps
In the next few weeks the electronic sign will be run in ‘stealth mode’ – meaning that it will continue to record data, but the sign will not flash or display anything. This will then allow for data comparison to see how effective the sign has been at slowing traffic.
As previously reported in HI HUB, there are also plans in place to relocate the MVAS sign to the Cottenham end of the B1049, with the focus there being on reminding drivers of the speed limit as they approach the Park Primary School. Subject to County Council permission, future locations may include Park Lane entering Histon; New Road, south of IVC; and Cambridge Road opposite The Crescent.
Andy Boylett, Area Coordinator for South Cambs Speedwatch, said: “So far the camera has proved to be a very effective reminder to drivers of the need to stay at the correct speed limit, which makes for a safer environment for all.”
For more information, please email speedwatch@cambs.pnn.police.uk
