Safe Speed Forums

Speed cameras have cut the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads by more than half.

Latest figures show that, on average, 144 people died or were maimed in accidents on the county's roads each year before 2002.

Since the cameras have been installed, the average has dropped to 65 a year - a fall of 55 per cent.

Other injuries are also down by 29 per cent.

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Safety Camera Scheme (LLRSCS) has 24 fixed sites and 77 mobile sites across the two counties.

Bosses today said they were delighted the cameras were reducing the number of crashes on the roads.

Critics of the camera network have long-accused LLRSCS of using the cameras solely to raise revenue through fines, but a spokeswoman for the organisation said the cameras were saving lives.

She said: "These figures show that in the two-year period that cameras have been operating, there are almost 160 more people alive and well in Leicestershire than would have been had safety cameras not been installed.

"Credit also goes to the majority of drivers in both the city and the county who have responded to cameras by slowing down and driving more safely.

"We work to make the roads as safe as possible through education, engineering and enforcement of the laws of the road.

"These cameras are helping to save lives and are contributing to road safety in our area."

Some drivers welcomed the figures, but others questioned by the Mercury remained unconvinced of their worth.

Raj Kumar, 44, from Rushey Mead, Leicester, said: "It is interesting to think that there are 160 people out there who may otherwise be dead.

"It could be me or a member of my family, or a friend or neighbour. That simple fact should make people stop, think and then drive more safely."

Graham Frazer, 28, from Beaumont Leys, Leicester, said: "I don't care what figures they have, the cameras are just another way to fleece the motorist.

"It's possible to make figures say whatever someone wants them to."

Joan McPhetor, 67, of Groby, said: " I'm delighted so many lives are being saved. If it is due to the cameras, I'm thrilled."

Asu ususal the take ALL the credit for the reductions. I suspect there is more behind the figures though..

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