Dorset's Roads Get New Speed Cameras

Motorists driving through Dorset will soon face new average speed cameras (ASCs) as part of an initiative to improve road safety. These cameras, which employ number plate recognition technology, are set to be installed on the A35 in the villages of Winterbourne Abbas, Morcombelake, and Chideock, east of Dorchester. Unlike traditional cameras that measure speed at a single point, ASCs calculate the time taken to travel between two points, making them harder to 'game'.

National Highways has announced this development, which has strong support from Dorset Police and road safety organizations. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) welcomed the evidence-backed initiative, noting its potential to address recent collision statistics. Research from the RAC Foundation has previously shown that ASCs can lead to a significant reduction in accidents, with a decrease of 36% in fatal and serious collisions observed on roads where they were implemented.

Experts suggest that average speed cameras are particularly effective for monitoring longer stretches of road, whereas fixed cameras might be more suitable for urban, stop-go traffic environments. The AA also noted that ASCs are generally well-accepted by drivers and can contribute to improved traffic flow. While cameras are a valuable tool, some advocate for increased traffic officer presence to address other serious driving offenses.