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."
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