17/07/2008

New calls to spend cash on crash blackspots not speed cameras

Roads would be safer if money was spent improving accident black spots rather than more speed cameras, according to the latest survey of driver opinion from the UK’s biggest dedicated motoring panel.

The findings from the AA/Populus panel of almost 17,500 AA members show that 72% thought that road and junction improvements would make the UK’s roads safer.

However, only a quarter (25%) thought more traffic police would make a difference, with just 4% saying more speed cameras would do trick.

These results highlight the dilemma over cameras as the debate rages due to Swindon’s decision revealed earlier this week to cut camera funding. The AA believes there are good arguments both for and against speed cameras.

AA president Edmund King said: “Cameras are just one weapon to use in the road safety fight. Our problem with them is that quite often they are seen as the first and last resort.

“Sometimes, a simple junction improvement would be far more effective than the placing of a speed camera, which leaves the dangerous junction still in place.

“I think cameras have a role to play on certain roads. We certainly acknowledge that cameras have slowed motorists down and road safety has benefited. The cameras have sent out a message that it’s not OK to speed. But cameras are over-deployed. Some are in the wrong places.”

(The AA)
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