FOI 384988

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 384988

I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 20^th January 2025. Please find below the response to your request:

Please provide the following details:

• The total number of red light cameras currently operational.
• The locations of all red light cameras.
• The number of red light camera violations recorded in the past five years, broken down by year.
• The revenue generated from red light camera fines in the past five years, broken down by year.
• The criteria used to determine the placement of red light cameras.
• Any changes or updates to red light camera policies or operations in the past five years.

Reply

West Mercia Police hold the information requested.

1. The total number of red light cameras currently operational.

Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires West Mercia Police, when refusing to provide such information (because the information is exempt) to provide you the applicant with a notice which: (a) states that fact, (b) specifies the exemption in question and (c) states (if that would not otherwise be apparent) why the exemption applies.

The exemption applicable to the information is:

Sec 21(1) Information Reasonably Accessible by Other Means

This is an Absolute, class based exemption.

The information that you require is already available Camera information | West Mercia Police

1. The locations of all red light cameras.

As per question 1

1. The number of red light camera violations recorded in the past five years, broken down by year.

1. The revenue generated from red light camera fines in the past five years, broken down by year.

The red-light cameras do not generate ‘revenue’ in the sense it has been used. Offenders will either be required to attend court, pay a fixed penalty notice (fine goes to the treasury), or attend a, education course. In this case a proportion of the cost of the course is returned to the camera operator to cover costs, and is known as cost recovery, and the remaining amount is used to fund the training programme.

1. The criteria used to determine the placement of red light cameras.

The criteria used to determine the placement of red-light cameras in West Mercia by the County council is:

The placement of red-light cameras is determined based on several criteria aimed at improving road safety. Here are some key factors considered:

• Crash History: Locations with a high incidence of crashes, particularly those involving red light offences, are prioritized.
• Traffic Volume: Areas with heavy traffic flow are more likely to benefit from red light cameras to manage and reduce offences and provide better traffic flow.
• Visibility and Signage: Cameras are placed in well-lit areas with clear visibility and proper signage to ensure drivers are aware of their presence.
• Local Road Safety Strategies: Local authorities, police, and other partners collaborate to identify sites where cameras can contribute to reducing road casualties, it is the statutory responsibility of national highways, or county councils to assess and fit cameras, although these are usually operated by West Mercia Police.
• Public Concern: There may be sufficient community concern regarding red light offences to justify their placement.

These criteria are part of an integrated road safety strategy to encourage safer driving behaviour and reduce collisions and casualties.

1. Any changes or updates to red light camera policies or operations in the past five years.

No information held