Vision Zero Strategy: Merseyside Police Introduce Aerial Cameras for Road Safety

New aerial cameras will be used to assist Merseyside Police in identifying traffic offences at collision hotspots.

This is the latest road safety initiative introduced by the Matrix Roads Policing Unit to tackle the most common causes of collisions, known as The Fatal 4.

The new cameras will also support the aims of Vision Zero, which was launched last year by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, and Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram,  supported by Merseyside Police, which aims to have zero deaths or serious injuries on our roads by 2040.

The new cameras have been introduced as a direct result of data collected in relation to road traffic collisions. Following this data, key locations/junctions have been identified across the force, where serious collisions have occurred.

The aerial cameras used by the Road Policing Unit are able to livestream and record footage of drivers and vehicles committing road traffic offences.

When a driver is detected committing a road traffic offence, details will then be relayed to officers on the ground and the offending drivers will be stopped. Drivers may also be identified at a later date when footage is reviewed.

Drivers may be dealt with using a variety of disposal outcomes which can range from words of advice, educational courses and issued with a fine and penalty points. In more serious cases, drivers will be reported to court for prosecution.

These operations will be conducted throughout the year, at pre-determined locations across the force.

Sgt Garreth Berry, Matrix Roads Policing Operations said: “We are looking at several pieces of technology to identify road traffic offences at key locations across the force area. The aerial photography can operate all year round and gives us the opportunity to identify and deal with those drivers committing road traffic offences.

“Through this initiative and operations, the hope is that it will change driver behaviour and ultimately reduce the number of killed or seriously injured collisions on the roads of Merseyside. This will also have a positive impact on our vision zero strategy and works towards the pillar of safe behaviour.”

Ch Inspector Stuart McIver, Matrix Roads Policing added: “Last year 471 people were either killed or seriously injured on the roads of Merseyside. Matrix Roads Policing officers are a highly trained, dedicated team who have undergone specialist training and possess a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges that arise on our roads.

“Working together with our partners and communities we must foster a culture of responsibility, awareness, and empathy on our roads where everyone and every journey is safe.”

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Our goal must be to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. To do that, we need to look how we can do things differently, taking proactive steps to prevent collisions and increase the safety of all road users.

“I welcome this approach by Merseyside Police to identify the key locations where collisions have taken place and use innovative technology to examine driver behaviour and take action against those who are driving dangerously.

“Improving the safety of our roads is not just the responsibility of the police though – it’s all our responsibility. That’s why through Vision Zero we’re working with partners to take a whole systems approach which is focused on delivering safer speeds, streets, vehicles and behaviour.”

You can find out more about the Vision Zero Strategy at - lcr-road-safety-strategy-final.pdf (merseysidepcc.info)