MP STEVE Barclay says a de-activated safety camera on the A47 which he claims has led to motorists flouting the law could be back working within a matter of weeks.

“I am delighted that my campaign to secure additional road safety measures for the A47 at Thorney Toll has achieved a notable U-turn from the Highways Agency,” he said today. The NE Cambs MP said concerns regarding the accident risk around Thorney Toll have long been voiced by residents and by local councillor John Fish.

Mr Barclay said he met with Cllr John Fish to discuss the high level of accidents back in April.

“At that point, the area had seen nine accidents in the past three years and five fatalities in six years,” said the MP.

“Cllr Fish went on to explain that a nearby safety camera had been deactivated and that local residents had been pressing to get it re-installed but had been told this would not be done. “According to residents, motorists know that they can flout the speed limit and motorcyclists frequently pull stunts as they go past the defunct speed camera.”

Mr Barclay lobbied the Highways Agency and asked Parliamentary questions and wrote to Roads Minister Mike Penning,

He said a meeting with Highways Agency Divisional Director David Gringell has confirmed “a reversal of the original decision, and that the speed camera at Thorney Toll will be reactivated within the financial year, and most likely in a matter of weeks.”

He added: “I hope this news will provide some comfort to residents in Thorney Toll that they have been listened to and that their concerns have been acted upon”.