Slowing the rise in speed cameras
It has been announced by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling that revenue generated from speed cameras will from 2007/2008 no longer be only spent on more cameras, but will help to fund a wider range of road safety measures.
Although a recent report shows that speed cameras have been effective in reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries from car accidents at the sites at which they are installed, Mr Darling said that he hoped that a wider approach to road safety would be taken by local councils.
The AA Motoring Trust was pleased with the announcement, saying: “The reality is that speed cameras work alongside other measures…but are not the universal remedy some advocates claim.”
However, a member of the RoadPeace organisation who supports the use of speed cameras said: “There is increasing evidence that speed cameras save lives. When you have people dying in the streets and you know that speed cameras can stop them from dying, then it’s negligent and irresponsible not to use them.”
It is expected that local authorities will still put up new speed cameras, but that they will also undertake other safety initiatives such as better signposting, road humps and clearer road markings.
When a driver is caught speeding by a camera, they will have to pay a £60 fine and will receive 3 penalty points on their licence. However, they will also have to pay higher car insurance premiums until the points are removed from their licence. Estimates show that one speeding ticket will cost a motorist £700 - £1,100 more in car insurance over four years.