Safe Speed Forums

Shadow Transport Secretary Alan Duncan has called for a complete review of speed camera operations after an internal Government survey showed that public confidence in the roadside traffic control devices has slumped dramatically.

The Department of Transport survey, published under Freedom of Information legislation, reveals the extent to which speed cameras are losing public support. It shows a dramatic increase in the number of people thinking speed cameras are an easy way of making money out of motorists, along with a fall in the number of people who believe speed cameras prevent accidents and help catch dangerous drivers.

Previously, polls have reflected a broad public consensus that, even if they are inconvenient, speed cameras do save lives. But a massive proliferation of cameras under Labour - the number of camera sites has doubled to 6,000 in five years, while more than £100m was raised through fines last year alone - has resulted in the evaporation of this support. A Parliamentary committee last year said experiences abroad showed public support for speed camera schemes was 'crucial' to their success.

Commenting on the findings of the Government's own internal survey, Mr Duncan said: "Given the huge proliferation of speed cameras and the fact that the Government is creaming off tens of millions of pounds of their profits, it is of little surprise that speed cameras have now become so unpopular."

He declared: "The whole regime of punishing drivers for speeding needs complete review. By using speed cameras as the only way of improving road safety, the Government have alienated the public whilst doing nothing to tackle the far more serious danger of drunk drivers and drivers on drugs."