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Do speed cameras work?

by LotusFlower | July 15, 2008 at 10:30 pm

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Speed cameras - are they just a cash cow or do they really help prevent accidents? Accidents are caused by many factors but speed certainly increases the risk of serious injury or death when an accident happens. In the UK where there are more CCTV and speed cameras than almost anywhere alse on the planet he debate is on.

Ever since Richard Moffat Ford became the first man to be prosecuted for speeding in 1901 after he was clocked by a policeman with a stopwatch hiding in a hedge, speed traps have had a bad name with motorists. But now, its modern and ubiquitous form – the hated speed camera – could be getting the boot. A local council is considering whether or not to ditch speed cameras altogether.

Swindon Borough Council has threatened to withdraw the £400,000 annual funding it gives to the partnership that sets up speed cameras in the town. It says it is not seeing any of that money back in the form of the fines paid by the unlucky drivers snapped. It will make a final decision over the next two months.

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Vinny

at 04:44 on July 16th, 2008

Near where I live as you come out of Grantham on the Nottingham road there is a speed camera after a steep hill. Drivers who do not know the speed camera is there only see it when they are close to it. Many times when I am on that road the cars in front me suddenly start to brake after seeing the camera. The sudden braking seems to just be a reaction to seeing the camera as many of the cars are already within the speed limit. I feel the placing of this camera is to catch motorists out and raise money and actually makes conditions more dangerous because of people suddenly braking when there is no need.

The camera in question has been set on fire a number of times!