Bingley Bypass Cameras Show Marked Change in Driver Behavior

A police inspector talked about cameras last year. John Barker is from the Keighley policing team. He spoke of cameras on the Bingley Bypass. He hopes for similar cameras on other roads.

The bypass cameras were the first of its kind. They started working last spring in Bingley. These cameras calculate speed over a distance. It’s not just a single point speed check. People requested action on that road for years.

A councillor said drivers used it recklessly in 2022. This was said at a Council meeting in Bingley. Cameras arose at a Keighley Area Committee meeting. The meeting covered Keighley and Ilkley policing. Operation Shipdon was detailed in the report.

This is a police operation in the Keighley area. They use speed devices and focused enforcement. Between April 2024 and January, it worked well. They issued 378 speeding tickets and summons. They issued 139 tickets for other traffic offenses. These included phone use and no insurance. Police seized 35 vehicles and made eight arrests.

West Yorkshire Police also did Operation Steerside. This included operations in the Keighley West ward. They addressed off-road and nuisance motorbikes. They also had three days of action in Worth Valley. This dealt with off-road issues there.

The meeting noted successful actions. Speed cameras and vans were especially effective. These things prevent dangerous driving the best. A speed camera van changes driver behavior. Inspector Barker spoke about this issue.

He noted that regular day operations are not as effective. Seeing a police van makes you think twice. The Bingley Bypass camera changed driving habits greatly. He wants more cameras on the Steeton bypass.