The first automated speed cameras were installed way back in 1992, so you’d think soon after their introduction some sort of study would be instigated, to look into their side effects. After all, we’ve had all the spin about how effective they’re meant to be – but what about the downsides?
Unbelievably, it took until 2005 for the Department for Transport to commit to setting up a study – a move that was well over a decade late. However, I was talking to Paul Smith of Safe Speed recently, and he’s been doing some digging. It seems that the DfT has decided to scrap its plans, while also changing the way that speed camera partnerships are run in the UK.
It’s all a bit involved to go into here, but Paul reckons this is the closest we’re going to get to the DfT admitting that its reliance on speed cameras was a bad move. Instead of admitting the policy has failed, the system is being allowed to fade away.
It probably makes little difference that the study was scrapped; it would have been yet another whitewash anyway. Remember the one a couple of years back that claimed cameras save 100 lives each year? That was the study which came out a few days before the annual road casualty figures – which had gone up slightly…
Perhaps Paul should have been able to do the study; he’s already come up with 40 downsides to speed cameras. Still, it looks like their use might be on the decline. Let’s hope so – then perhaps we can start doing something worthwhile towards making our roads safer.
What is really sad is that speed cameras seem to have become just another way for this government to eek out more money from us car drivers.
I believe cameras do have a place but there really needs to be a review of how and when they should be deployed.
Tone Malone | 01 Apr 07 - 22:43Hi can you teel me how to get off with the fine and points?
Amanda
ps please help
amanda | 26 Jun 07 - 17:57