More transparency about the effects of speed cameras

It’s hard to think of many things that have “enjoyed” such a consistently poor reputation among British drivers as speed cameras since their introduction. They seem to be universally maligned by drivers, frustrated by what they see as devices to increase revenue rather than save lives and reduce the number of victims on our roads.

However, there is no doubt that speed cameras are capable of playing an important role in reducing the number of accidents and casualties on Britain’s roads. Would the entire automotive public surely support any measure designed to improve road safety?

The problem is that there is a gap between the perception of what speed cameras are for (and what they are really used for) and the reality of the situation. The only way this gap will be filled is if local authorities publish data showing how accidents and casualties have been reduced in areas where speed cameras are in operation.

The government has published proposals that would require local authorities to do exactly that. Starting in April 2011, local authorities will be required to publish information showing how the number of traffic accidents and victims has been affected by the presence of speed cameras to monitor speed and how many motorists have been prosecuted for alleged crimes at individual control sites. We understand that a working group involving the police, local authority officials, the Department of Transportation and the Highway Agency will advance the details of implementation over the next three months, ready for the start of the program in April. Blake Lapthorn’s Motoring Offenses team feels that these new proposals are exactly what is required to solve the problem.

At one level, the legal process, which requires people to abide by strict rules when using the roads, must command the respect of those who must act in accordance with those rules. If the argument for speed cameras as a law enforcement method is that they save lives, then motorists should be told why a speed camera is where it is and how successful it has actually been in achieving its stated purpose. if they want to have confidence in the ‘system’ and if confidence should be maintained. Cameras are supposed to be “security” cameras after all.

It must also be the case, as a simple matter of fairness, that the motoring public has a right to see how those charged with making our roads safer spend their money (taxpayers’ money). If they have no impact in a particular area, why are they there? If they have been located correctly, this will not be a problem that should be of concern to the local authorities.

We cannot see that speed cameras are ever the complete solution. Improved driver training, better signage and junction improvements all have a role to play. However, so do speed cameras. The Government has now given the local authorities of this country a golden opportunity to gain the confidence of the automotive public when it comes to speed cameras and possibly even win the case for their role once and for all. The gap between perception and reality could still be bridged. Hopefully local authorities will make the most of it.