Study shows speed cameras cut injuries

Published: 08 June 2013
By Chris Haycock

In total 551 fixed camera locations were studied by the organisation, who found that there was an average of 27 per cent less fatal or serious injuries in camera locations. However, the study showed that at twenty one camera locations the number of injuries actually rose. RAC Foundation report authors have written to councils involved to find out more information behind the findings. Stephen Glaister who is the RAC Foundation director, said, "Safety cameras are contentious, people dispute whether they work. But in fact the general public as a whole like them because they want these roads to be made safer. If cameras were turned off overnight there would be something like 80 people killed extra a year and 800 people killed or seriously injured. So the evidence is very good that on average they do work, they are effective." The current coalition government reduced the amount of finance available for speed cameras when they came to power, saying that local police and councils "relied on the devices too much". However, most councils kept the cameras in place.