Safe Speed Forums

A well founded statistically balanced survey by swiftcover.com is out today.

Safe Speed issued the following PR at 02:32 on 5th April:

PR300: Drivers know that speed cameras are a huge mistake

news: Embargo: 00:01am Thursday 6th April 2006

A survey released today by insurers swiftcover.com finds that most drivers have
no faith in speed cameras as a road safety device.

In VERY marked contrast to the public opinion survey results from camera
partnerships and the Department for Transport (DfT), some of the swiftcover.com
findings are as follows:

* Only 13% agreed with the statement: "The best way to increase safe driving is
speed cameras."

* 54% think that speed cameras cause erratic driving.

* 71% think that speed cameras make drivers more likely to miss road hazards.

* 69% of those caught by speed camera say: 'I was driving safely for the road
conditions at the time.'

* And only 14% disagreed with the statement: 'Speed cameras are used mainly as
a revenue generating opportunity.'

Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign
(www.safespeed.org.uk) said: "These findings are no surprise to me. I have been
warning that speed cameras make our roads more dangerous for years. However I
am considerably relieved to see that the misleading government claims have
failed to delude most drivers."

"The government claims that 80% (or so) of people support speed cameras. This
survey (conducted under proper conditions by a reputable professional polling
company) proves, once again, that government figures are highly misleading."

"Please listen, Mr Darling and Dr Ladyman; We don't want your cameras. We don't
believe they make us safer. We don't have any faith in your road safety
policies. Bite the bullet, admit that speed cameras don't work, and let's get
back to real road safety policies. Your infernal cameras are killing us
indirectly, because, at best, they replace genuine life-saving road safety
policies."

<ends>

I have permission to publish the whole survey which is now available at:

http://www.safespeed.org.uk/swiftcover2006.doc

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

The Times seems to have picked up on this very late:

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/articl ... 59,00.html