Letter: VOICE OF THE NORTH - Angry Labour call for speed cameras.

Byline: HENRI MURISON

I WRITE in response to Lol Dunn of Blyth (Voice of the North, December 13) who raised issues associated with more speed humps in residential streets.

These measures do have their place, but I do agree that they should not be used as the primary way to help us reduce speed across large numbers of residential areas in Newcastle.

I am hopeful a 'speed over distance' camera pilot scheme in the near future will demonstrate that this technology is a more suitable way for the new 20mph zones to make speed reduction happen, and will reduce casualties and injuries.

My concern though is that the Liberal-controlled executive of the city council will not join my colleagues in the Labour Group and I in supporting average speed cameras and will not commit to work to make their introduction happen.

In fact, after accepting 20mph speed limits should be mandatory, as I called for, they are now refusing to provide money for either speed cameras or more road humps to actually make sure these new limits are held to by motorists.

Government policy allows for a more flexible link between speed reduction measures and 20mph zones.

It's time to get serious. We need action, and residents and their families would be better served by speed cameras rather than road humps on residential streets.

Coun HENRI MURISON, Opposition Environment Spokesperson, Newcastle City Council, Civic Centre, Barras bridge, Newcastle NE99 1FN (email:[e-mail])