Drivers caught on camera fined £33k

9:04am Tuesday 26th June 2012 in Southend By Steve Hackwell

Watching – the average speed camera sysstem in Marine Parade, Southend Watching – the average speed camera sysstem in Marine Parade, Southend

MORE than £33,000 has been raked in by new average speed cameras on Southend’s seafront in just three months.

An Echo Freedom of Information request revealed 551 motorists have been stung by the cameras in Marine Parade since they were switched on in February.

However, the number of fines issued each month has dropped rapidly since March and Southend Council chiefs said that showed drivers were learning their lessons.

Tony Cox, Tory councillor for transport, said: “The cameras were brought in to enforce the new 20mph speed limit, not for any other purpose.

“This clearly shows they are doing that job and doing it well.

“I was always confident the level of fines would drop with time.”

The speed limit in Marine Parade was reduced from 30mph last year as a result of the £7.6million City Beach revamp.

The Government-funded works narrowed the road from two carriageways to a single strip and introduced the controversial concept of shared space involving motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Council chiefs chose to drop the speed limit to try to reduce the danger posed to pedestrians, but police insisted the move was not enforceable without speed cameras.

Three cameras, funded by Olympus KeyMed, were installed at the western and eastern ends of Marine Parade, and in Hartington Road, to catch speeding motorists.

The statistics obtained by the Echo show 245 drivers were fined in March, the first full month of operations.

That figure fell to 217 in April and just 89 in May.

Ryan Jones, 25, who drives along Marine Parade as part of his commute from his home in St Andrew’s Road, Shoebury, said: “I’ve never been caught by the cameras, but I don’t see why they’re needed either.

“It’s impossible to go very fast down that road because it’s narrow and there are people either side.” Paula McMahon, 32, from Westcliff, said she believed the cameras made the road unsafe.

She added: “All the Shared Space work was aimed at making the seafront safer and promoting harmony between pedestrians and motorists.

“But all I do is keep an eye on how fast I’m driving. My attention is diverted.

“It’s also more dangerous, to be honest. You can be travelling at 20mph, but some motorists don’t want to. You can often see the anger on their faces.”

Comments (23)

9:18am Tue 26 Jun 12

howironic says...

Absolutely nothing to do with story, but shouldn't the number plate on the Land Rover be blanked out
Absolutely nothing to do with story, but shouldn't the number plate on the Land Rover be blanked out howironic

9:47am Tue 26 Jun 12

v.randy says...

I hate the smugness of the local council.
I suspect that many of the poor sods caught out on the seafront are much needed visiting tourist and business people.
The 20mph zone is poorly marked and we drivers have to keep one eye on our speedo's,one eye on the bloke whose up our exhaust pipe and another eye on pedestrians walking out in front ..because there is NO crossing.
All the local speed freaks know where the cameras are and used back streets to 'open up' their lowered Saxo's.
Us locals are bombarded with dozens of signs at every set of lights and unless you stop for 5 minutes and read them all there is a good chance you are about to commit a traffic offence.
The sea front is a dogs dinner ,all the council has to do is install a proper crossing.
Instead as a pedestrian you have to stare into the whites of the drivers eye to ensure he/she will stop (20mph/30mph makes no difference,you're still dead if they don't oblige).
Don't get me wrong I have no issue with speed control as long as it is consistant.You can have 10mph limits outside schools,residential homes,down High St's etc.. no problem but make it Southend wide.
Give drivers a break ,I despise being criminalised..I'll abide by the rules if you the Council apply commonsense and logic,not this random/lottery approach to speed management.
I hate the smugness of the local council. I suspect that many of the poor sods caught out on the seafront are much needed visiting tourist and business people. The 20mph zone is poorly marked and we drivers have to keep one eye on our speedo's,one eye on the bloke whose up our exhaust pipe and another eye on pedestrians walking out in front ..because there is NO crossing. All the local speed freaks know where the cameras are and used back streets to 'open up' their lowered Saxo's. Us locals are bombarded with dozens of signs at every set of lights and unless you stop for 5 minutes and read them all there is a good chance you are about to commit a traffic offence. The sea front is a dogs dinner ,all the council has to do is install a proper crossing. Instead as a pedestrian you have to stare into the whites of the drivers eye to ensure he/she will stop (20mph/30mph makes no difference,you're still dead if they don't oblige). Don't get me wrong I have no issue with speed control as long as it is consistant.You can have 10mph limits outside schools,residential homes,down High St's etc.. no problem but make it Southend wide. Give drivers a break ,I despise being criminalised..I'll abide by the rules if you the Council apply commonsense and logic,not this random/lottery approach to speed management. v.randy

10:12am Tue 26 Jun 12

EstuaryView says...

I agree with Randy above.

This shared space with 20mph limit is very poorly conceived indeed.

It's a death trap for pedestrians and a cash trap for motorists.

Its only real purpose is to fill the this greedy council's coffers.

Another brainchild of Cllr Cox, who is one of Anna Waite's puppies and is also responsible for the hated spy cars.

Just the sort of cr@p you can expect from a man who can't even manage his own body weight.
I agree with Randy above. This shared space with 20mph limit is very poorly conceived indeed. It's a death trap for pedestrians and a cash trap for motorists. Its only real purpose is to fill the this greedy council's coffers. Another brainchild of Cllr Cox, who is one of Anna Waite's puppies and is also responsible for the hated spy cars. Just the sort of cr@p you can expect from a man who can't even manage his own body weight. EstuaryView

10:18am Tue 26 Jun 12

Blind Haze says...

A 20mph speed limit and the signs in the picture saying 30mph - no wonder they made so much money.
A 20mph speed limit and the signs in the picture saying 30mph - no wonder they made so much money. Blind Haze

10:19am Tue 26 Jun 12

PJR121 says...

"Drivers caught on camera fined £33k" - Blimey! I knew the fines were going up from £60, but not that high!

Think about the wording in the headlines Echo, something like "Seafront cameras collect £33k in fines" would have been miles better...
"Drivers caught on camera fined £33k" - Blimey! I knew the fines were going up from £60, but not that high! Think about the wording in the headlines Echo, something like "Seafront cameras collect £33k in fines" would have been miles better... PJR121

10:56am Tue 26 Jun 12

j-w says...

It's a death trap for pedestrians
How many deaths?
[QUOTE]It's a death trap for pedestrians[/QUOTE] How many deaths? j-w

12:33pm Tue 26 Jun 12

reptile says...

I wonder how many motorists I have saved from being fined because there is always someone tailgating you along Marine Parade?
I wonder how many motorists I have saved from being fined because there is always someone tailgating you along Marine Parade? reptile

12:45pm Tue 26 Jun 12

asbo foundation says...

EstuaryView wrote:
I agree with Randy above.

This shared space with 20mph limit is very poorly conceived indeed.

It's a death trap for pedestrians and a cash trap for motorists.

Its only real purpose is to fill the this greedy council's coffers.

Another brainchild of Cllr Cox, who is one of Anna Waite's puppies and is also responsible for the hated spy cars.

Just the sort of cr@p you can expect from a man who can't even manage his own body weight.
oh get over it or use a different stretch of road.
[quote][p][bold]EstuaryView[/bold] wrote: I agree with Randy above. This shared space with 20mph limit is very poorly conceived indeed. It's a death trap for pedestrians and a cash trap for motorists. Its only real purpose is to fill the this greedy council's coffers. Another brainchild of Cllr Cox, who is one of Anna Waite's puppies and is also responsible for the hated spy cars. Just the sort of cr@p you can expect from a man who can't even manage his own body weight.[/p][/quote]oh get over it or use a different stretch of road. asbo foundation

12:50pm Tue 26 Jun 12

terminatorgary says...

this goverment are sht why donbt they just scrap all cars get a ball and chain round are legs and make us into slaves money money money all the time losers i hate the goverment and now there tryin to take benfits off under 25s but yet im sure they will tax the under 25s london riots part 2 if this comes in
this goverment are sht why donbt they just scrap all cars get a ball and chain round are legs and make us into slaves money money money all the time losers i hate the goverment and now there tryin to take benfits off under 25s but yet im sure they will tax the under 25s london riots part 2 if this comes in terminatorgary

1:46pm Tue 26 Jun 12

Tom from Southend says...

It really is very simple. It is a shared space, you know somewhere where we all look out for each other and let people pass in front of us. A difficult concept for some of you to grasp I know. Its 20 for a reason, it is sign posted therefore don't be muppets and all go off on one if drivers get caught. Simple...if you speed you get nicked. The Council has tried and succeeded, it has become a popular space with kids and families all along this length when the weather is good. Its our town and space (I ride walk and drive along here) and about time these busy spaces where re-thought. As for comments about it being "a death trap".... please, live in the real world, if its 20 and we all look out for each other it is not, in fact far from it. Speed and get nicked. What is so difficult to understand ?
It really is very simple. It is a shared space, you know somewhere where we all look out for each other and let people pass in front of us. A difficult concept for some of you to grasp I know. Its 20 for a reason, it is sign posted therefore don't be muppets and all go off on one if drivers get caught. Simple...if you speed you get nicked. The Council has tried and succeeded, it has become a popular space with kids and families all along this length when the weather is good. Its our town and space (I ride walk and drive along here) and about time these busy spaces where re-thought. As for comments about it being "a death trap".... please, live in the real world, if its 20 and we all look out for each other it is not, in fact far from it. Speed and get nicked. What is so difficult to understand ? Tom from Southend

3:36pm Tue 26 Jun 12

shoeburylad says...

EstuaryView wrote:
I agree with Randy above.

This shared space with 20mph limit is very poorly conceived indeed.

It's a death trap for pedestrians and a cash trap for motorists.

Its only real purpose is to fill the this greedy council's coffers.

Another brainchild of Cllr Cox, who is one of Anna Waite's puppies and is also responsible for the hated spy cars.

Just the sort of cr@p you can expect from a man who can't even manage his own body weight.
As the saying goes, you loose the argument when you have to resort to personal insults...
[quote][p][bold]EstuaryView[/bold] wrote: I agree with Randy above. This shared space with 20mph limit is very poorly conceived indeed. It's a death trap for pedestrians and a cash trap for motorists. Its only real purpose is to fill the this greedy council's coffers. Another brainchild of Cllr Cox, who is one of Anna Waite's puppies and is also responsible for the hated spy cars. Just the sort of cr@p you can expect from a man who can't even manage his own body weight.[/p][/quote]As the saying goes, you loose the argument when you have to resort to personal insults... shoeburylad

4:53pm Tue 26 Jun 12

The Cater Wood Creeper says...

SBC's favourite songs?

'I feel fine', 'money money money', 'ticket to ride'
SBC's favourite songs? 'I feel fine', 'money money money', 'ticket to ride' The Cater Wood Creeper

4:54pm Tue 26 Jun 12

Lefty Cyclist Type says...

This just goes to show how effective the cameras are, and is a good argument for them to be rolled out across the Southend borough.
This just goes to show how effective the cameras are, and is a good argument for them to be rolled out across the Southend borough. Lefty Cyclist Type

5:05pm Tue 26 Jun 12

Lefty Cyclist Type says...

"Ryan Jones, 25, said: “I’ve never been caught by the cameras, but I don’t see why they’re needed either. It’s impossible to go very fast down that road because it’s narrow and there are people either side.” "

If it was impossible no-one would have been caught speeding...
"Ryan Jones, 25, said: “I’ve never been caught by the cameras, but I don’t see why they’re needed either. It’s impossible to go very fast down that road because it’s narrow and there are people either side.” " If it was impossible no-one would have been caught speeding... Lefty Cyclist Type

6:41pm Tue 26 Jun 12

Max Impact says...

Lefty Cyclist Type wrote:
This just goes to show how effective the cameras are, and is a good argument for them to be rolled out across the Southend borough.
STOP PRESS: SHOCK AS MAX IMPACT AGREES WITH LEFTY!

Agree with you there (yes I really do!).... are you still there... not fallen off the chair in shock have you?

Sorry if you bumped your head on the way down.

The only people moaning will be those that have been caught and those that like to speed, as well as speed cameras I would extend CCTV camera coverage to more of the town, as well as increase ANPR cameras to cover more of the main roads in Southend.

If you don't like the cameras dont drive along the seafront. Simples for simple people.
[quote][p][bold]Lefty Cyclist Type[/bold] wrote: This just goes to show how effective the cameras are, and is a good argument for them to be rolled out across the Southend borough.[/p][/quote]STOP PRESS: SHOCK AS MAX IMPACT AGREES WITH LEFTY! Agree with you there (yes I really do!).... are you still there... not fallen off the chair in shock have you? Sorry if you bumped your head on the way down. The only people moaning will be those that have been caught and those that like to speed, as well as speed cameras I would extend CCTV camera coverage to more of the town, as well as increase ANPR cameras to cover more of the main roads in Southend. If you don't like the cameras dont drive along the seafront. Simples for simple people. Max Impact

7:18pm Tue 26 Jun 12

southendshrimper says...

Blind Haze wrote:
A 20mph speed limit and the signs in the picture saying 30mph - no wonder they made so much money.
the photo has been taken AFTER the 20mph zone has finished.
[quote][p][bold]Blind Haze[/bold] wrote: A 20mph speed limit and the signs in the picture saying 30mph - no wonder they made so much money.[/p][/quote]the photo has been taken AFTER the 20mph zone has finished. southendshrimper

7:20pm Tue 26 Jun 12

southendshrimper says...

Max Impact wrote:
Lefty Cyclist Type wrote:
This just goes to show how effective the cameras are, and is a good argument for them to be rolled out across the Southend borough.
STOP PRESS: SHOCK AS MAX IMPACT AGREES WITH LEFTY!

Agree with you there (yes I really do!).... are you still there... not fallen off the chair in shock have you?

Sorry if you bumped your head on the way down.

The only people moaning will be those that have been caught and those that like to speed, as well as speed cameras I would extend CCTV camera coverage to more of the town, as well as increase ANPR cameras to cover more of the main roads in Southend.

If you don't like the cameras dont drive along the seafront. Simples for simple people.
even more of a shock i agree as well, hello guys oh i'll call 999 for both of you.
Oh max how are your trousers?
[quote][p][bold]Max Impact[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Lefty Cyclist Type[/bold] wrote: This just goes to show how effective the cameras are, and is a good argument for them to be rolled out across the Southend borough.[/p][/quote]STOP PRESS: SHOCK AS MAX IMPACT AGREES WITH LEFTY! Agree with you there (yes I really do!).... are you still there... not fallen off the chair in shock have you? Sorry if you bumped your head on the way down. The only people moaning will be those that have been caught and those that like to speed, as well as speed cameras I would extend CCTV camera coverage to more of the town, as well as increase ANPR cameras to cover more of the main roads in Southend. If you don't like the cameras dont drive along the seafront. Simples for simple people.[/p][/quote]even more of a shock i agree as well, hello guys oh i'll call 999 for both of you. Oh max how are your trousers? southendshrimper

8:01pm Tue 26 Jun 12

Max Impact says...

Still ripped the wife told me to ....
Still ripped the wife told me to .... Max Impact

10:22pm Tue 26 Jun 12

v.randy says...

I have to confess to being an average ability driver..nothing special..so I feel honoured to be in the presence of road users who possess Yoda- like road skills and intuition.
I assume these individuals blessed with the uncanny ability to adhere at all times to the numerous speed limits, enjoy equally blessed private lives.
No doubt these people have beautful wives and children,fabulous homes can make love all night and run marathons for fun, for charity;
a sort of supreme being.
Alas ,I am a mere mortal but I heed your words ,so from now on I shall avoid all roads with cameras,clearly I won't be going far ..but Hey!,think of the petrol I'll save.
I have to confess to being an average ability driver..nothing special..so I feel honoured to be in the presence of road users who possess Yoda- like road skills and intuition. I assume these individuals blessed with the uncanny ability to adhere at all times to the numerous speed limits, enjoy equally blessed private lives. No doubt these people have beautful wives and children,fabulous homes can make love all night and run marathons for fun, for charity; a sort of supreme being. Alas ,I am a mere mortal but I heed your words ,so from now on I shall avoid all roads with cameras,clearly I won't be going far ..but Hey!,think of the petrol I'll save. v.randy

10:33pm Tue 26 Jun 12

asbo foundation says...

Max Impact wrote:
Lefty Cyclist Type wrote:
This just goes to show how effective the cameras are, and is a good argument for them to be rolled out across the Southend borough.
STOP PRESS: SHOCK AS MAX IMPACT AGREES WITH LEFTY!

Agree with you there (yes I really do!).... are you still there... not fallen off the chair in shock have you?

Sorry if you bumped your head on the way down.

The only people moaning will be those that have been caught and those that like to speed, as well as speed cameras I would extend CCTV camera coverage to more of the town, as well as increase ANPR cameras to cover more of the main roads in Southend.

If you don't like the cameras dont drive along the seafront. Simples for simple people.
no more licking please. the chippy communist's buttocks are already dripping wet clean with your tongue
[quote][p][bold]Max Impact[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Lefty Cyclist Type[/bold] wrote: This just goes to show how effective the cameras are, and is a good argument for them to be rolled out across the Southend borough.[/p][/quote]STOP PRESS: SHOCK AS MAX IMPACT AGREES WITH LEFTY! Agree with you there (yes I really do!).... are you still there... not fallen off the chair in shock have you? Sorry if you bumped your head on the way down. The only people moaning will be those that have been caught and those that like to speed, as well as speed cameras I would extend CCTV camera coverage to more of the town, as well as increase ANPR cameras to cover more of the main roads in Southend. If you don't like the cameras dont drive along the seafront. Simples for simple people.[/p][/quote]no more licking please. the chippy communist's buttocks are already dripping wet clean with your tongue asbo foundation

11:04pm Tue 26 Jun 12

Max Impact says...

asbo foundation wrote:
Max Impact wrote:
Lefty Cyclist Type wrote:
This just goes to show how effective the cameras are, and is a good argument for them to be rolled out across the Southend borough.
STOP PRESS: SHOCK AS MAX IMPACT AGREES WITH LEFTY!

Agree with you there (yes I really do!).... are you still there... not fallen off the chair in shock have you?

Sorry if you bumped your head on the way down.

The only people moaning will be those that have been caught and those that like to speed, as well as speed cameras I would extend CCTV camera coverage to more of the town, as well as increase ANPR cameras to cover more of the main roads in Southend.

If you don't like the cameras dont drive along the seafront. Simples for simple people.
no more licking please. the chippy communist's buttocks are already dripping wet clean with your tongue
At least I am man enough to do it!
[quote][p][bold]asbo foundation[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Max Impact[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Lefty Cyclist Type[/bold] wrote: This just goes to show how effective the cameras are, and is a good argument for them to be rolled out across the Southend borough.[/p][/quote]STOP PRESS: SHOCK AS MAX IMPACT AGREES WITH LEFTY! Agree with you there (yes I really do!).... are you still there... not fallen off the chair in shock have you? Sorry if you bumped your head on the way down. The only people moaning will be those that have been caught and those that like to speed, as well as speed cameras I would extend CCTV camera coverage to more of the town, as well as increase ANPR cameras to cover more of the main roads in Southend. If you don't like the cameras dont drive along the seafront. Simples for simple people.[/p][/quote]no more licking please. the chippy communist's buttocks are already dripping wet clean with your tongue[/p][/quote]At least I am man enough to do it! Max Impact

6:26pm Wed 27 Jun 12

southendshrimper says...

Max Impact wrote:
Still ripped the wife told me to ....
very good......
[quote][p][bold]Max Impact[/bold] wrote: Still ripped the wife told me to ....[/p][/quote]very good...... southendshrimper

6:50pm Sun 1 Jul 12

E -Types says...

Break the law and you pay the price. Simple. Fine them and take away there license.
Break the law and you pay the price. Simple. Fine them and take away there license. E -Types

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