Speed Cameras Spark Safety Debate

Speed cameras in Devon are not reducing road casualties enough.

That's the claim of the TaxPayers' Alliance, as it releases new research, Chief Executive Matthew Elliott, said: "Motorists have long suspected that speed cameras are more about raising money than keeping the roads safe. These findings show that the state has been squeezing a fortune out of people using these cameras, but if anything the rate of reduction in casualty numbers has slowed. The whole country should follow the example of Swindon, which has scrapped cameras altogether. People are sick of being fined under the guise of road safety."

In 2008 to 2009 fines worth £1.5 million were generated by cameras in Devon and Cornwall and paid to Government but our police are adamant that they are about safety, Inspector Richard Pryce is responsible for Devon's roads: "safety cameras have worked in Devon. When we look at the numbers of fatalities that we've had they've reduced year on year for the past several years. In fact in 2007 the number was up near 100, 2009 we saw it just in the mid 60s"

He continued: "safety cameras are there for one reason and one reason only and that is to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. They are not there under any circumstances to raise money. There has to be a sanction there to somebody who is exceeding the speed limit"