The parish council has flagged the central road loop in Biddenham, including Main Road and Biddenham Turn, as a speeding “hotspot.” A recent crash involved high speeds, but thankfully, no injuries occurred. Data from the Speed Indication Device (SID) indicated some vehicles are hitting motorway speeds in the 30mph school zone, with a maximum of 93mph recorded during pick-up times.
In light of these issues, the parish council requested average speed cameras from Bedford Borough Council, which could not provide funding. However, they received Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds from the Saxon Park development to address speeding.
The council believes average speed cameras will be more effective than speed tables. The estimated cost for two cameras and five years of maintenance is £180,000, viewed as a necessary investment by the council.
Bedford Borough Council clarified that SIDs are not calibrated for accurate speed data and noted that they have over 90 requests for average speed cameras. Biddenham Turn and surrounding roads are on the list for potential funding.
Bedfordshire Police do not use SID data for speed checks but consider it useful for understanding traffic volume. Despite conducting enforcement in Biddenham, no Traffic Offence Reports have been issued. The parish council intends to proceed with camera installation and may explore similar measures for Bromham Road if funding allows.