Speed cameras installed at crash junction
Oxfordshire County CouncilA junction at the entrance of a new development is to have speed cameras installed after several collisions and near-misses.
Oxfordshire County Council said the Barton Park pelican crossing on the A40 junction in Headington, Oxford, had been "dogged by dangerous drivers".
It said the cameras would be installed over four nights from Monday "to deter motorists from speeding and driving through red lights".
Gareth Epps, cabinet member for transport, said it would be "extremely welcome news to everyone who lives in or visits this area and needs to cross this road".
"Excessive speeds and red-light jumping are genuine concerns at this location, with a video survey showing how widespread the problem is," he said.
Motorists "who follow the rules will have nothing to fear" but those showing "disregard for others' safety by breaking them will face the consequences", he added.
Residents raised concerns after a series of crashes at the junction.
They included a car hitting a cyclist and his son last February, and a car crash damaging the traffic lights leaving no safe way to cross the 50mph (80km/h) road for two days in June 2024.
The council is funding the installation and initial maintenance costs of the cameras, with funding from its Vision Zero scheme.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) will be responsible for their ownership and operation.
Ch Insp Jade Hewitt, of TVP's roads policing unit, said: "We are aware of concerns regarding speeding and red-light offences at this location, and the evidence gathered has demonstrated the need for further enforcement measures.
"The cameras will act as both a deterrent and an enforcement tool, encouraging motorists to comply with the speed limit and traffic signals, helping to reduce the risk of serious collisions."
The cameras will detect vehicles travelling over the speed limit and identify vehicles jumping a red light in both directions.
They will be painted bright yellow and advance warning signage will be in place.
Residents have been warned that some of the excavation work to put them up will be noisy, as high pressured air will be used to excavate the ground due to underground gas and electricity utilities in the area.
Barton Park is a major new housing development in Oxford, which is still in the process of construction.
Work started in 2015 and it will eventually include 885 homes.