Noise camera trial on A34 following anti-social behaviour concerns

Monday, 17 October 2022 15:32

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire Constabulary and Cheshire East Council have been working together to tackle anti-social driving and noisy car meets on the A34.

A new acoustic camera pilot funded by the Commissioner could provide a way forward.

Residents raised concerns at a public meeting last year about the noise made by cars along with A34 in Wilmslow and Alderley Edge, particularly around the Whitehall Bridge roundabout, where the camera is set to be installed before the end of the month.

The camera will be able to record noise above an acceptable level and identify the responsible vehicles, giving the police and council key information about the worst offenders and enabling enforcement action to be taken against them.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said:

“Making Cheshire’s roads safer is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan, so I’m pleased to have been able to fund an acoustic camera along the A34 to try and tackle inconsiderate driving that is having an impact on local residents.

“I know how frustrating these issues are, and it’s because of the strength of feeling at my public meeting last year that together with the Constabulary and council we’ve kept this issue firmly on our agenda.

“The data we get from this trial will inform how we tackle this issue going forward. I am eager to see the difference this camera trial could make both now and in the future.”

The camera has been purchased by the Commissioner and the installation will be funded and undertaken by the Council. Data will be assessed once the trial is complete and if successful, discussions will take place about making the acoustic camera a permanent solution.

Cllr Craig Browne, chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, and Deputy Leader of the Council, said:

“This is excellent news both for residents and the safety of road users – and something this council fully supports.

“This pilot scheme is another good example of our successful partnership working, with the police and the police and crime commissioner, to resolve this issue of anti-social and often reckless and dangerous driving in the area.

“This proactive, collaborative approach will complement the planned installation of the 20mph zone and traffic calming measures in Alderley Edge, scheduled for the new year, to tackle the recognised nuisance and risks faced by local residents.

“For context, 1,342 residents responded to a community survey carried out by the council’s anti-social behaviour team back in the summer of 2020, which I understand was the highest response we had ever had to such a survey. These two projects are a big win for Cheshire East Council, the police and the local communities.”

In addition to the acoustic camera trial, Cheshire Constabulary has sought to reassure residents through increasing police activity along the A34. This includes driver engagement days, enforcement activity with the Roads and Crime team, using Tru Cam devices to catch speeding cars and putting dispersal orders in place.

Cheshire Officers have also received training from the West Midlands Operation Hercules team, who specialise in dealing with car meets and anti-social driving.

Inspector Andy Baker said:

“It is great that we are getting this funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner to try and tackle anti-social driving in the Wilmslow area.

“We have identified the hotspots of where car meets and anti-social driving are taking place and we aim to crack down on the offences in the area, for the safety of the drivers and other members of the public.

“There can be serious consequences from car meets and anti-social driving, so if we can prevent it from happening, then my officers are doing their job to keep the people of Cheshire safe in Wilmslow.”