Safe Speed Forums

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4685337.stm

No new speed cameras until report

No new speed cameras will be installed for several months, as the government awaits a review of their effectiveness.

The Department for Transport said no applications for sites would be granted until the completion of an independent review by University College London.

A spokeswoman said it was important to get things right. "We are not blocking the use of new cameras," she said.

But road safety group Brake expressed concern that suspending decisions on camera applications "could cost lives".

Meanwhile, road safety group Safe Speed highlighted figures it claimed showed fewer cameras meant fewer deaths.

The Department for Transport spokeswoman said: "Every year, those in the camera partnership scheme submit applications to us for new camera sites.

"This year we are waiting for this independent review to be completed before approving any new sites.

"The review has been delayed. There should have been a report out in June, but it's taking longer than expected."

Brake

Brake said the University College London (UCL) review was nothing new.

"UCL carries out a review of the effectiveness of speed cameras on an annual basis and previous reports have shown speed cameras to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 40% where they are placed.

"There is no reason to suspect that this year's review will conclude anything different," it said in a statement.

The group added that it welcomed any research into speed cameras and was calling for the restrictions on their placement to be relaxed.

Road deaths

Meanwhile, Safe Speed said Department for Transport figures showed the growth in fixed and mobile speed camera sites grew by under 1% for 2003 to 2004, compared to 33% between 2002 and 2003.

Founder Paul Smith said that was the "true reason" road deaths fell last year.

"The government got cold feet with their dangerous speed camera programme, put on the brakes and saved some lives.

"Speed cameras are a dangerous distraction to drivers, police and local authorities alike. In almost every case there's something else that's more important to road safety than strict speed limit compliance."

_________________
Paul Smith
Our scrap speed cameras petition got over 28,000 sigs
The Safe Speed campaign demands a return to intelligent road safety

The tide does appear to be turning against the cameras.

The BBC have even given the all-important "final-quote" in the article to SafeSpeed- well done!

... and both Brake and SafeSpeed are referred to as "road safety groups".

Wonderful stuff

It is nice to see all these good quotes from all these news organisations


But it has me a little worried

Common sense from a government agency?

Next thing you know it will be raining fish or even worse asking for the advice from trained professional experienced traffic police on road safety .


John