West Midlands Police redoubles efforts to catch speeding drivers

West Midlands Police have doubled their efforts to catch speeding drivers as the number of mobile speed enforcement camera vans jumps from 4 to 8 in the region.

The force told us that they make around 50 calls each year to families informing them their loved one has died in a collision.

How bad is speeding in the West Midlands?

The increase in mobile speed enforcement camera vans is an investment made by Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster.

He said catching people speeding is a key focus for him: "Excess speed is one of the most significant contributors to people being killed and seriously injured on the roads.

"You will not get away with dangerous and reckless driving. We cannot have people think they are entitled to drive at whatever speed they want whenever they like. It will not be tolerated," he said.

Simon Foster explained how this approach will work to catch drivers off-guard:

"These vans are mobile and can be moved around to different hotspots. This will enhance the ability of the police to deal with reckless, excess speed that can endanger lives," he said.

Why is speeding a priority for West Midlands Police?

Superintendent Gareth Mason said he wants to reduce the number of times he has to call families to inform them of fatalities at the hands of a collision, to zero.

He is head of the Roads Policing Unit at West Midlands Police.

"We do not want to knock on any more doors of families to say that their loved one has been killed.

"People adhering to speed limits is the biggest thing they can do to make sure themselves and others around them are safe," he said.

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