Speed cameras have been a contentious issue ever since they were introduced to the UK in 1992. With hundreds now due to be switched off, Confused.com Biker Babe Gemma Rathbone takes a look at what this means for road safety and maintenance.
The first speed cameras were used in the UK in London in 1992 and the devices bring in millions of pounds each year in revenue through fines. They are also vital in the fight against road traffic incidents.
But they are not without their share of controversy. Millions of motorists, bikers included, lament their introduction, thinking of speed cameras as a surveillance method and underhand way of generating revenue to shore-up the transport network.
As of 1 April 2011, more than 370 speed cameras are being switched off in the biggest cutback ever seen. The reduction in central government funding makes the switch-off inevitable and means fewer watchful electronic eyes on our roads.
In most places the bright yellow boxes will be left in place after the photographic equipment has been removed, which may continue to provide some deterrent.
A survey by the Sunday Times of the 37 speed camera partnerships in England and Wales revealed that each is planning to reduce the number of fixed cameras by 10 per cent on average. With 4,000 in place, this means around 400 are likely to go.
The West Midlands and Somerset are the most affected areas, yet in Scotland there are no plans to switch off any speed cameras.
The switch-off is the result of a 28 per cent cut in Department for Transport grants to councils.
Without the millions generated by speed cameras, road conditions could get worse, making more accidents a greater threat.
And if motorists see the lack of surveillance as an excuse to hit the accelerator, the incident, and subsequent injury and death rates could rocket.
Of course, money not spent on operating speed cameras should be spent elsewhere on the roads, and other safety initiatives can be an alternative, but in reality, will it be?
What do you think of the removal of some speed cameras? Will there be more fatal accidents and will this be a decision we regret? Tell us by commenting below.
Recent Comments