FOI 273749

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 273749

I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 29^th August 2023.  Please find below the response to your request:

Can you please advise regarding:

1. Your policy for the deployment of speed enforcement mobile camera vehicles.
2. Your policy for prosecution of excess speeding in 30 and 40 mph zones.
3. The number of serious or fatal road traffic collisions that have occurred in the past 2 years in the vicinity of High street, Defford, Nr Pershore Worcestershire.

Reply

West Mercia Police holds the information you have requested. Please see below:-

Can you please advise regarding:

1. Your policy for the deployment of speed enforcement mobile camera vehicles.

• Sites are considered based on a number of identifying means.
• Roads or routes identified as at risk of collisions based on the crash history.
• Community concern sites identified as a result of community concerns raised via the community charter and the local parish council.
• Data collection using Radar devices over a 7 day period in any given site.
• Mobile Camera resources are then deployed based on a data led approach.  Sites are graded RED, AMBER or GREEN.  These sites have a targeted deployment rate as follow:  RED should be receiving 4 visits per month on average.  AMBER should be receiving 2-3 visits per month on average and GREEN should receive a minimum of 1 visit per month on average.
• Each site is subjected to a 6 monthly site review when its deployment rating is discussed.

1. Your policy for prosecution of excess speeding in 30 and 40 mph zones.

• In the UK, the policy for prosecuting offenders caught speeding in 30mph and 40mph zones involves a tiered system of penalties. The specific penalties can vary depending on the severity of the offence, West Mercia Police follow the national guidelines:-
• Speed Awareness Course: For minor speeding offences (up to 10% plus 2 mph over the speed limit), you may be offered a speed awareness course instead of receiving penalty points on your driving record. This course is designed to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding. This offer may not be made if you have had a recent speeding conviction or your speed exceeds 43mph in a 30mph zone or 53mph in a 40mph zone.
• Fixed Penalty Notice: For slightly more serious offences, you may receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), which typically includes a fine and penalty points on your driving licence. This offer will not be made if you will be subject to as ‘totting up’ disqualification or your speed exceeds 50mph in a 30mph zone or 60mph in a 40 mph zone.
• Court Prosecution: For more severe speeding offences or repeat offenders, you may be summoned to court, where penalties available include larger fines, more penalty points, and even a driving disqualification, depending on the circumstances.

1. The number of serious or fatal road traffic collisions that have occurred in the past 2 years in the vicinity of High street, Defford, Nr Pershore Worcestershire.

• West Mercia Police does not hold any specific recorded information in relation to this element of your request. There is no location within Defford that is named ‘High Street’.  However in the vicinity of Main Street, Defford, Nr. Pershore Worcestershire, within the dates checked, 01^st August 2021 – 31^st August 2023, there have not been any serious injury or fatal collisions.