Speed cameras are not money spinners but prevent road accidents
January 04, 2011
Posted by:Maria Mingoia
A recent report by the RAC Foundation suggests 800 people a year could be killed or seriously injured in road accidents if all speed cameras were scrapped. Cameras have reduced road accidents since they were introduced and contrary to popular belief were not a significant revenue raiser. The report found that in 2007 the Treasury received £4 from each £60 penalty, with no surplus left for local authorities or the police.
Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, backed Prof. Allsop's claims, saying: "The current crisis in funding for speed cameras, and road safety in general, leaves road users at real risk.” The government has said decisions on speed camera funding must be taken at local level which is why we are sending this evidence direct to all highway authorities."