RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

February 11, 2003
CAMERAS SAVING LIVES AND CUTTING SPEEDS

New proof that speed cameras are saving lives was welcomed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today.

Government figures reveal a 35 per cent fall in deaths and serious injuries in eight areas where cash from speeding fines has been re-invested in more camera use. Average speeds fell by 10 per cent.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “The latest figures show that cameras reduce the number of drivers speeding and consequently significantly reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“Cameras are particularly effective in protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians. The figures show the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured at camera sites fell by more than half.

“At least another 280 people would have been killed or seriously injured if cameras had not been there. Good drivers have nothing to fear from cameras.

“But it is important to remember that cameras are just one of the weapons in the fight against road accidents. RoSPA is concerned about the reduction in traffic policing in some areas. Cameras should be used to supplement the work of traffic police not as a substitute for them.”