Following recent reports of a drop on motoring offenders being caught, MPs of the Transport Select Committee have called for more average speed cameras on Britain’s roads.
Over the past 10 years there has been a dramatic reduction in the amount of reports motoring law offences and this has been put down to a drop of specialist road traffic police on duty which has been put down to budgetary constraints.
The Committee has stated that more must be done to detect offenders whether through an increase in specialist police or the use of technology such as speed cameras.
The report issued by the Transport Select Committee indicated that speed cameras were an “important and effective part of the technology toolkit” and that if road traffic law enforcement is going to happen then a greater use of the technology is essential.
The report further stated that the idea of average speed cameras is better accepted by motorists that the usual fixed penalty cameras. It called for further information about their effectiveness and that the Highways Agency should develop a better policy for their deployment.
Interestingly, the Committee added that the deployment of average speed cameras should be on the basis of road safety rather than revenue generation.
The report states: “We recommend that the Government monitor the placement of speed cameras by local authorities to ensure that this is the case.”
The report continues. “Where revenue is taken from speed camera enforcement, the funding arrangements must be transparent and the revenue put back into road safety grants rather than kept by local authorities or the Treasury.”
It has been noted that in 2014, 90% of the Fixed Penalty Notices for speeding were generated by cameras.
In a 2015 report by the RAC 70% of motorists admit to breaking the 70mph motorway speed limit.
RAC Public Affairs spokesman, Nick Lyes said: ”It’s important that the solution to that problem offers a range of alternatives, and average speed cameras can be part of this.”
“The benefit in using average speed cameras is that they have the advantage of measuring speed over distance, which is in marked contrast with fixed cameras which are often criticised for encouraging sharp braking and acceleration by drivers as they react to the cameras. This reaction can be a potential cause of accidents and does not help maintain steady flow of traffic.
“In addition, indications from the use of average speed cameras over a long distance on the A9 in Scotland appear to show positive compliance levels and a reduction in road traffic accidents.
“However, motorists will feel that the enforcement of road traffic law is not only about installing more cameras. The decline in road traffic police officers in recent years has been a worrying trend, with a 23% reduction in England and Wales between 2010 and 2014.
“The presence of road traffic police officers can also play a big part in improving both safety and compliance, as well as giving motorists a sense that law breakers are not just simply getting away with it.”
The Chairwoman on the Transport Select Committee, Louise Ellman said that where they welcome the continued and increased use of technology it could not be the only factor in road safety.
She stated: “If enforcement of road traffic laws is to be effective, the decline in specialist roads policing officers must be halted.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
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