Safe Speed Forums

Cameras 'do not reduce crashes'

Published Date: 12 November 2009
Drivers in Northamptonshire resent the number of speed cameras in the county and would welcome a reduction, members of Northamptonshire County Council have claimed.
Earlier this month, the authority announced it would launch a review of the county's 40-plus speed cameras to see if they were still effective, and pledged any which were no longer reducing accidents would either be removed or covered up.

During a meeting at County Hall this week, where the camera review was backed by the authority's leading cabinet, Councillor Michael Clarke (Con, Hackleton), said the move was overdue.

He said: "I think evidence that speed cameras reduce accidents is actually highly questionable.
"And this sort of persecution of the motorist is something that's truly resented by a large number of people in the county. So I think most people will welcome a review of the whole policy."

Speed cameras were first introduced in Northamptonshire in 1999.
About 20 cameras were installed initially and they led to 100,000 speeding convictions in their first year, up from 7,000 the previous year.
The council has said any cameras which are now found to be ineffective could be replaced with flashing warning signs or road alterations, such a chicanes. But opposition members of the authority have warned scrapping cameras could lead to more accidents.

Councillor Julie Brookfield (Lab, Shire Lodge) said: "Warning signs have a place, but I'd be very anxious if we see a reduction in the use of safety cameras.
"I think they've contributed greatly to the quality of life of people who live in villages where they are and they're not just about reducing speed, they improve driver behaviour and cut both pollution and noise."

She was backed by the leader of the opposition, Councillor Brendan Glynane (Lib Dem, Delapre), who added: "As far as these plans go, I think you'd find you'd get short shrift if you spoke to the victims of speeding drivers."
But the council's cabinet member for roads, Councillor Heather Smith (Con, Prebendal) pledged the cameras would not be scrapped without thought.
She said: "An awful lot has been achieved by the cameras, but times move on.
"However, a blanket removal is not what we're saying. Each site will be reviewed and if it's more appropriate to have a warning sign than a speed camera, that's what we'll do.
"But whatever we do, we won't compromise road safety."

The camera review is due to be launched early next year.

# Last Updated: 12 November 2009 10:23 AM
# Source: Northampton Chron & Echo
# Location: Northampto

"I think evidence that speed cameras reduce accidents is actually highly questionable."
he really should be doing better than this. No evidence to back up the "questionability"of the efficacy of the camera treatment; it's a blatant attempt at attempting to gain popularity; what a shyster!

"I think evidence that speed cameras reduce accidents is actually highly questionable."
he really should be doing better than this. No evidence to back up the "questionability"of the efficacy of the camera treatment; it's a blatant attempt at attempting to gain popularity; what a shyster!