Plans to introduce an average speed camera scheme on the A49 have been given the green light!
The scheme funded by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, and bringing together West Mercia Police, Herefordshire Council, and National Highways is set to go live on March 2026.
This latest investment is part of a range of measures to reduce harm on West Mercia’s roads, with the cameras being placed on the 50mph section of the A-road from Leominster to Hereford (Dinmore).
The installation work will be completed by leading speed technology firm Jenoptik, who installed the scheme on the A449 in Worcestershire, and provide around 90% of the UK’s average speed cameras.
PCC John Campion said: “I hear regularly from local communities about their concerns and have too often seen the impact of speeding on the A49.
“At the very heart of my police and crime plan is a focus on reducing the harm too often caused on our roads with this latest investment being another step forward on that journey. With schemes like this being a vital tool to ensure we reduce the life changing impact of poor driver behaviour.”
West Mercia Police’s Superintendent for Herefordshire, Helen Wain said: “Speed is one of the biggest factors in serious and fatal collisions. When drivers go too fast the risk of a crash goes up, and so does the chance of someone getting seriously hurt. We’ve seen the impact first-hand: lives lost, families devastated, and communities left grieving. That’s why encouraging safer driving really matters. Every step we take to help people make better choices on the road is a step towards protecting lives.”
Councillor Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services at Herefordshire Council, said: “Average speed cameras don’t just catch speeding motorists but encourage responsible safer driving that saves lives on our Herefordshire roads. So, the message is: slow down, stay safe.”
Data over the past 4 years (2021-2024) shows 1 person was killed and 7 were seriously injured following collisions over the 50mph section of the A-road from Leominster to Hereford (Dinmore). With the average speed in excess of 60mph.
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