'Four out of five' drivers support speed cameras

FOUR OUT OF FIVE drivers in the UK are in favour of speed cameras and think they are useful in reducing injuries on our roads.

Research by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) shows 80% of British drivers supports speed cameras, though there is still scepticism about the positioning of some caemras.

Half (52%) of those polled by the IAM said they did not believe speed cameras are only positioned at the sites where accidents have occurred. Half also thought speed cameras were there to raise money as much as improve safety.

The same research also showed that Scottish drivers are the least likely to have points on their driving licence for speeding offences, while support for speed cameras was highest in Wales at 87%.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: ‘Speed cameras are a successful road safety solution at key crash sites and it’s important that the government and safety camera partnerships work to maintain a positive view so that the rising suspicion amongst motorists does not become a trend.

‘During times of austerity, drivers are increasingly seeing speed cameras as revenue raising apparatus and are sceptical of their importance for road safety.’

By Press Association reporters