New speed cameras planned for one of Hampshire’s most dangerous roads

This comes well ahead of schedule after Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones sped up the process and signed a £560,000 contract earlier this week for the cameras which will be placed along Portsdown Hill Road and James Callaghan Drive to the north of Portsmouth.

PCC Donna Jones said: “I promised residents swift action, and that’s exactly what’s happening. The contract is signed, and work will begin now. This is a vital step toward stopping the dangerous driving, noise, and anti-social behaviour that has affected motorists and residents for too long.”

The Commissioner first announced plans in December to invest in cameras to tackle speeding, dangerous driving, and anti-social behaviour on one of Hampshire’s most hazardous roads.

Over the past five years, 61 people have been injured and four have sadly lost their lives on this stretch, making it one of the most dangerous routes in Hampshire.

The new average-speed system will support Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and Portsmouth City Council in reducing speeding, improving driver behaviour, and helping restore peace for residents.

Work to install the cameras will take place throughout April and May, with the system expected to go live once installation and final checks are complete.

Residents have been campaigning for speed reduction measures on Portsdown Hill, including local mums Stacey Edmonds and Kate Farley, who petitioned the council to install a pedestrian crossing near the junction with Farlington Avenue.

They campaigned out of fears for residents’ safety, especially Purbrook Park and Oaklands pupils who regularly cross to get to school.

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Stacey Edmonds welcomed “anything that will slow the traffic down” making it safer to cross.

She praised local leaders for acknowledging the dangers of the road, stating many campaigners have come before her and were “brushed off”.

She added the cameras could also address “the race track the top of the hill becomes” in the summer months, with noise pollution and dangerous driving.

She said her pedestrian crossing campaign has progressed positively, with drawings being mocked up and the council nearing the procurement phase.

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News of the new speed cameras follows the unexpected recent installation of cameras on Eastern Road.

To hear more from Donna Jones about speed cameras watch the video embedded in this story

For updates on the scheme please visit: Safer Roads – Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner.