Motorists brace for tougher driving rules as rulebreakers breach lower speed limits

Drivers have been warned of new speed cameras being installed along a major A-road in Oxfordshire to crack down on speeding motorists.

Oxfordshire County Council has revealed plans to install new speed and red-light cameras at the A40 Barton Park junction following a string of crashes and near-misses.

The cameras will target drivers speeding above the 50mph limit and motorists who drive through red lights in either direction.

Residents and councillors had expressed concerns about dangerous driving since the junction opened to serve the Barton Park development.

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Video surveys carried out at the site showed speeding and red-light offences were common, prompting calls for stronger enforcement.

The cameras will be funded through the council's Vision Zero programme, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on Oxfordshire's roads by 2050.

Once installed, the equipment will be handed over to Thames Valley Police, which will be responsible for operating and enforcing the cameras.

The cameras and poles will be painted bright yellow to make them highly visible, while warning signs approved by Thames Valley Police will alert motorists before they reach the junction.

The council said the scheme is part of a joint effort with the police to improve safety at a location where drivers have repeatedly ignored the rules.

Councillor Gareth Epps, the council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "This will be extremely welcome news to everyone who lives in or visits this area and needs to cross this road.

"We are delighted at this example of working in partnership with our colleagues at Thames Valley Police to put in a deterrent, which will make this road safer."

Flashing amber warning lights have already been installed near Barton Park Primary School, also using funding from the Vision Zero programme. The lights warn drivers when children are crossing at the beginning and end of the school day.

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Chief Inspector Jade Hewitt, from Thames Valley Police's Roads Policing Unit, welcomed the new enforcement measures.

She said: "Road safety remains a priority for Thames Valley Police, and we welcome the installation of these safety cameras at the Barton Park junction.

"We are aware of concerns regarding speeding and red-light offences at this location, and the evidence gathered has demonstrated the need for further enforcement measures."

She detailed how the cameras will act as both a deterrent and an enforcement tool, encouraging motorists to comply with the speed limit and helping to reduce the risk of serious collisions.

Chief Inspector Hewitt also warned that speeding remains one of the "Fatal Five" causes of the most serious and fatal crashes, including speeding, drink and drug-driving, distraction, failing to wear a seatbelt and careless driving.

Installation work will begin on Monday, July 20, and will take place overnight between 8pm and 6am for up to four nights.

The eastbound left turn into Barton Park will also be closed at certain times, with drivers diverted via the Headington roundabout.

Residents have been warned to expect some overnight noise as specialist vacuum excavation equipment is needed to avoid underground gas and electricity services.

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