Mobile speed cameras target high-risk roads

The controversial Arrive Alive scheme, which is run by North Wales Police, health authorities and a number of other organisations, has saved health trusts �5m in reduced accidents according to its latest figures.

Fixed and mobile safety cameras have been monitoring speed on 53 routes in the six counties of north Wales since 2001.

However some drivers have criticised the scheme, saying the police are making money from the cameras.

Figures show that casualties have fallen significantly on the blackspots targeted by the safety camera scheme.

By reducing speeds and collisions we can reduce casualties on the roads and this impacts positively in terms of reduced costs for the health service Inspector Alan Hughes, project manager

Organisers say fatal injuries are down 38%, serious injuries are down by 34%, while slight injuries are down by 17%.

Overall, their figures for child fatalities are down by 40%, serious injuries in children down by 42% and children who suffer slight injuries reduced by 36%.

The campaign is run by the North Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership which includes the police, health authorities, all six north Wales local authorities, the Assembly Government, the Crown Prosecution Service and magistrates.

Cameras have reduced casualty numbers

A spokesman for North West Wales NHS Trust welcomed the news but said he could not substantiate the figures.

He said: "We welcome any measure to reduce the number of road accidents and injuries.

"However, we do not collate information about the cause of the injuries we treat.

"There can be a number of reasons for a reduction in the number of accidents, including the introduction of speed cameras."

The scheme has received criticism from some drivers who claim North Wales Police are making money from the project.

Anyone caught breaking speed limits is given �60 fixed penalty.

But the report says the scheme "continues to be fully funded by those who choose to exceed the legal speed limit."

Beneficiaries

However, organisers say they need to continue to educate motorists and the general public about the aims and achievements of the scheme, which has slowed down the traffic in the region.

To highlight the involvement of the health service in the partnership, the Arrive Alive team will be visiting Glan Clwyd Hospital on Wednesday.

Project Manager, Inspector Alan Hughes, said: "Unfortunately, people see Arrive Alive as a police-led initiative.

"But there are another 10 organisations involved in the scheme, many of which benefit directly from having safety cameras on the roads.

"One such beneficiary is the National Public Health Service for Wales.