New red-light cameras installed to boost pedestrian safety at Calcot crossing on A4

The Calcot pedestrian crossing on the A4 near two Calcot Schools is one of the first in the Thames Valley to be equipped with new red-light cameras.

This site is one of three Thames Valley locations selected for Phase One of this collaborative project between Thames Valley Police and local authorities. This police-led safety initiative is to tackle traffic violations and improve road safety for pedestrians following ongoing community concerns about red-light running in this area. The cameras will capture red light jumpers at the crossing and when the crossing lights are green, they operate as speed cameras.

Since 2015, residents have voiced concerns about drivers failing to stop at red lights in the area, and the issue has only increased with the School Streets programme, which restricts certain roads to reduce congestion near schools. Council data shows that red-light violations peak during school terms, with around 22% of drivers running the red-light during school hours, compared to 7% during half-term. This data helped secure support for the new camera installations.

Parents are encouraged to use the Park and Stride scheme from Linear Park, which connects with the A4 Calcot crossing as this route helps families avoid restricted roads and supports safer walking and cycling routes to school.

Cllr Stuart Gourley, Executive Member for the Environment and Highways at West Berkshire Council, said:

"We're really pleased to be working with Thames Valley Police on this road safety initiative, especially at such a busy crossing on the A4 in Calcot.

"With the new red-light cameras, we're tackling a longstanding concern from residents and making sure families and children have a safer crossing on their way to school. This is just one of the ways we're committed to making West Berkshire's roads safer for everyone and continuing to improve our highways."

Detective Chief Inspector Justin Thomas, Joint Operations Head of Roads Policing: said:

"Safety on our roads is a priority for Thames Valley Police and our partners. The cameras will hopefully protect those using the Calcot crossing, as well as to reduce collisions where red light jumping has become an issue.

"The consequences of jumping a red light where pedestrians are crossing has potentially fatal consequences. I would urge motorists to take extra care, slow down and never run the risk.

"We will continue to work with our partners in order to make our roads a safer place for everyone."

The partnership between us and Thames Valley Police will continue to monitor the impact of the cameras as part of an ongoing effort to improve road safety across the area.