Cyclists welcome Jersey’s debut mobile speed camera

Cycling groups in Jersey have welcomed the introduction of the island’s first mobile speed camera, saying it could play an important role in curbing dangerous driving on rural roads.

Simon Finch, co-founder of Cycle 4 Jersey, said the device would help identify “anti-social drivers… speeding, often at night”, but stressed that tougher enforcement and sentencing were still needed to improve safety for cyclists.

The camera was unveiled on Monday by Jersey Police. Chief Officer Robin Smith described it as a tool to catch motorists “racing around our island” and posing risks to other road users — a problem he called persistent.

“Racing around our island”

Finch argued that inconsistent sentencing was undermining road safety efforts. Courts, he said, should hand out penalties that genuinely influence behaviour, particularly in cases involving drink or drug driving, uninsured driving or the use of mobile phones behind the wheel.

Regular cyclist Tom Brossman, who has logged more than 11,000 miles on his e-bike, said most motorists were considerate but that “one bad driver” could cause serious harm. He backed the new camera and suggested it be deployed discreetly to catch the most dangerous offenders.

Brossman, who uses helmet cameras to report risky driving, praised the police response to his submissions but expressed frustration about what happens once cases move on to prosecutors.

The Law Officers’ Department said it could not discuss individual cases but insisted all prosecutions must meet strict evidential and public-interest tests before going to court.