More local authorities reveal fixed speed camera figures
Over half of England’s councils have disclosed figures regarding their fixed speed cameras.
By baring data on the number of motorists snapped by speed cameras, the Government hopes to identify how effective they are in limiting accident and death rates.
Results have been a mixed bag so far with an increase in accidents at some spots although the outcome has been the direct opposite for others, suggesting that improving road safety isn’t as straightforward as merely throwing up a few speed cameras.
Scotland’s Chief Statistician recently stated that casualties have significantly dropped after speed cameras were introduced [link] while Lancashire experienced contrasting results [link].
Councils have been publishing the figures since July and Road Safety Minister Mike Penning has urged the remaining 72 authorities to follow suit as a duty to their constituents.
He commented: “Local residents have a right to expect that when their council spends money on speed cameras, they publish information to show whether those cameras are helping to reduce accidents or not.
“I hope that this information will help local people to make informed judgements about the impact cameras are having on their local roads.
“However, residents can only hold their council to account if it has made information available so I would urge those councils which have not yet published their data to do so as soon as possible.”
Data for key regions such as London and Greater Manchester isn’t expected to be revealed until the end of September. 75 local authorities have published full or partial information so far. Durham and North Yorkshire are exempt from the process because they simply don’t have any fixed speed cameras.
Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, welcomed the publication of the figures but warned that the data must be used with care.
“The best speed cameras deliver lower speeds and fewer casualties without catching lots of drivers out,” he said.
“Any camera that consistently issues tickets clearly has location or signposting issues. No camera should ever be removed without a clear education or engineering solution to replace it.”
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