CCTV cars 'improved road safety in Southend'

The use of CCTV vehicles in Southend has improved local road safety, authorities have claimed.

Andrew Meddle, Head of Planning and Transport at Southend Council told the town's news provider the Echo the cameras were part of many initiatives which have worked together to reduce the number of serious accidents occurring in the area.

The CCTV vehicles issued 5,644 fines over the first six months they were in operation, the Echo stated, with the council saying they would be concentrating on places where people at the highest risk such as around schools.

Statistics now show the number of deaths or severe injuries sustained on local roads fell to 54 in 2011 compared with 65 and Mr Meddle said he believes the initiative had a role in this decline.

"The nature of people is, if they are caught once, they are unlikely to repeat the same offence again," he argued.

While CCTV technology is at work to keep drivers safe, another type of equipment will soon be used to help get them to their destination on time.

The government recently announced £2.7 million will be spent on 3D scanners that will help authorities clear accidents more quickly in order to reduce delays on motorways.

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