Cameras at accident blackspot in Hull trigger online debate

Cameras installed to catch drivers running red lights at a junction in Hull have sparked debate online.

In order to reduce the number of accidents, Hull City Council installed cameras at the intersection of Mount Pleasant and Holderness Road.

People sharing their opinions online called the intersection a “nightmare,” but others felt the cameras would provide a “nice source of revenue” for the city government.

The cameras have been installed at the intersection but will not come into effect until July 1.

According to the Local Democracy service, eight of the 23 accidents recorded at this intersection in the last five years were due to drivers ignoring traffic signals.

The council awarded a £240,448 contract to install the cameras because it believed the junction had become an “accident blackspot”.

Residents voiced their opinion on social media, with Gary Jackson saying: “The cameras should catch some people running red lights. This intersection is a nightmare.”

Kirsty Cooper agreed: “Given the number of accidents that happen there, I’m not surprised they installed these cameras. It’s about time something was done. Maybe then it will become clear who is in the wrong.”

Craig Carter, however, disagreed: “Say no to cameras,” he shouted. “They should all mind their own business and then we’ll move on.”

Rich Spenceley added: “It cost a quarter of a million. That should be recouped in less than a year through fines.”

John Dearing commented: “Nice color, nice income.”

Councillor Mark Ieronimo told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that installing the cameras was part of the council’s broader goal of making neighbourhoods safer and more welcoming.

He said: “The new technology will enforce traffic laws and deter people from running red lights and putting themselves and others in danger. The cameras are also equipped with green light speed monitoring to catch those crossing the intersection at excessive speed.”

Four surveillance cameras have been installed at all entrances to the Holderness Road and Mount Pleasant intersection.

Mr Ieronimo said the cameras would help reduce the number of accidents and injuries on the road and make the intersection safer for everyone.