£2.1m speed camera schemes planned for two major roads with history of safety concerns

Plans to install speed cameras along two major roads with a history of safety concerns are set to move forward, thanks in part due to residents coming forward in Burnley.

The two schemes – which total £2.1 million – will see speed enforcement cameras erected on the A682 Colne Road in Burnley and Brierfield as well as the A583 Blackpool Road in Kirkham, through to Peel Hill.

The Colne Road scheme has been developed following community engagement in Burnley, with residents making it clear that making the A682 safer should be a top priority for the county council.

The scheme will address road safety risks by targeting excessive speeds and anti-social driving behaviour along the A682 Colne Road.

Money for the work is expected to come from the Government's Levelling Up Fund programme, which has a wider strategic objective of improving the sense of community in north-east Burnley, subject to final approval from Government. The Levelling Up East Lancashire programme, which is made up of £5m funding from Lancashire County Council and a provisional award of £50m from the Government, will deliver a range of improvements through three connected projects.

To find out more about the Levelling Up East Lancashire programme, visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/eastlancsluf

The A583 Blackpool Road scheme is being funded by the Department for Transport's Safer Roads fund, which aims to improve safety on England's 50 most dangerous A-roads, following a successful bid for funding to provide further road safety improvements along this stretch.

It is hoped the work to install the cameras for both schemes will begin in April next year and completed by the end of December.

Members of the county council's cabinet will be asked this week to agree to advertise the contract for the work to take place. The contract will cover the design and build of both schemes as well as ongoing maintenance.

Cllr Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: "Both of these roads have a history of serious collisions where excessive speed has been a factor and we understand how concerned local communities are about their safety record.

"Residents in Burnley in particular have strongly voiced strong calls for safety improvements on the A682 Colne Road through our community engagement.

"The scheme we are developing shows that we are listening to our residents, and the new cameras will help to save lives and make these two A roads safer for everyone."