The Swindon Green Party has criticised Swindon Borough Council’s decision to pause plans for automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras on Akers Way, warning the move could undermine efforts to improve road safety.
Former councillor Tom Butcher said he was disappointed by what he described as a “u-turn” on the proposed safety measures, which were intended to form part of a wider package of improvements following concerns about speeding on the route.
He said: “It’s really disappointing seeing the new council administration announce a pause to a road safety measure such as this. They’ve given a clear green light to irresponsible drivers to keep speeding.
“While the Tories and Labour are busy finger pointing and playing politics, they’ve lost sight of the bigger picture.”
Mr Butcher said residents had become increasingly concerned about speeding traffic and argued that more action was needed to improve safety, particularly for children.
“Swindon’s roads have become a race track, and it’s putting our children’s lives at risk,” he said.
“These ANPR cameras were meant to be part of a wider road safety scheme that looked at raising the road surface of the crossing, reviewing the lights and other measures. Instead, it’s been watered down and now possibly rolled back.”
He urged councillors from all political parties to work together to find a solution.
“I would strongly urge all political parties in the chamber at Swindon Borough Council to put their collective heads together to solve this and get progressing with actually making our communities safer for our kids.”
The Green Party said the proposal to trial ANPR cameras stemmed from a motion it introduced last year after the formation of the Swindon Green Group.
According to the party, the motion was supported by the then Labour administration in what it described as a rare example of cross-party co-operation, following the fatal collision on Akers Way that prompted renewed calls for improved road safety measures.
The council has yet to announce whether an alternative timetable for the proposed safety scheme will be introduced.
