Date set for Scotland's first urban speed camera to go live

For the first time in Scotland, an Average Speed Camera system is to be installed on a local road in Edinburgh. Picture; Lisa Ferguson

The system, which was constructed in May and has undergone a period of testing is being introduced on Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh to improve safety on the route.

It is also hoped that the introduction of such a system will help reduce the number of injury collisions and encourage motorists to drive within the speed limit.

Scotland's first urban average speed camera set for Edinburgh

Following a national site selection exercise, an average speed camera system was agreed as the most effective and appropriate intervention.

In the three years 2013-15, there were 6 injury collisions on this stretch of Old Dalkeith Road alone, including 3 resulting in serious injury or fatality. Surveys found that speed is a continuing concern with a high proportion of vehicles travelling above the speed limit on the stretch of road.

East Safety Camera Unit Manager, Inspector Vinnie Fisher said - “Having identified a high casualty rate on Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh and having ruled out other potential remedial measures, we considered all the tactical options available to combat the excessive speed on the road.

“Following analysis and discussions with colleagues in City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Safety Camera Programme Office, it was agreed an average speed camera system would be the most effective intervention in making the road safer for everyone using the route.

“Following on from the installation and a period of testing, the system will go live on Monday 4th September and we are confident it will have a noticeable effect on driver behaviour and the speeds of vehicles on this stretch of road with a resultant reduction in casualties.”

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The Council and our Streets Ahead partners are working towards Vision Zero, where everyone is safe from the risk of being killed or seriously injured on our roads. Speeding has been a major issue on this stretch of Old Dalkeith Road in particular, with several collisions and sadly one fatal crash.

“We fully support Safety Cameras Scotland’s decision to install safety cameras here. We would remind all road users to watch their speed at all times wherever they’re travelling, to keep themselves and others safe.”