Council operates 'speed cameras'

Two council-operated "speed cameras" could be installed in Bristol in an attempt to reduce dangerous driving in parts of Clifton and Kings Weston.

Bristol City Council has started a consultation period before installing the Watchman camera system and speed-operated slow-down signs.

The cameras are planned for Whiteladies Road, Clifton, and Long Cross.

A spokeswoman said a similar system used in Alison Road, Brislington, had "dramatically cut" traffic speeds.

'Clear signs'

If agreed, the cameras, which look similar to speed cameras, would be fitted in both directions between Lower Redland Road and West Park in Clifton and between Kings Weston Rd and Stile Acres in Kings Weston.

The cameras would operate 24 hours a day and would record the number plates of any vehicles breaking the speed limit.

Vehicle-activated signs would also be installed in advance of the cameras to warn motorists when they are exceeding the speed limit - and there would be clear signs to advise road users when they are entering the zones.

The Bristol City Council spokeswoman added: "Fines would not be issued instantly, as with most other speed cameras, but police would be able to follow up anyone driving above the speed limit captured on film and consider prosecution."

Avon and Somerset Police said each case would be decided on its merits and it would review evidence from the council to see if any crime had been committed.

But a spokesman for Safecam, which deals with safety cameras in Bristol and Somerset, said the proposed cameras would not fall under their remit.

"Obviously we are in favour of anything which promotes road safety but we would not be able to process the (camera) data.

"The partnership cameras are only installed where (accident and fatality) criteria have been met," he added.