Speed cameras are increasing the risk of a fatal or serious accidents in some areas in the UK, a study suggests.
An investigation by the RAC Foundation highlights a number of sites where collision rates have risen “markedly” since cameras were put in place and raises new doubts about their usefulness.
Professor Stephen Glaister, its director, said the rise “may or may not be related to the cameras” but suggests further investigation. “We have written to a number of local authorities suggesting they examine the positioning and benefits of a total of 21 cameras,” he said.
The RAC fears that the problem could be worse because only 12 of the 36 so-called safety-camera partnerships, which comprise councils, police, courts and road safety groups, have complied with Government demands to provide data in a useable form.
Overall, the analysis shows that on average the number of fatal and serious collisions in the vicinity fell by 27 percent after the installation of cameras. There was also a reduction of 15 percent in personal injury collisions.
The figures broadly support a previous study, which concluded that speed cameras prevented up to 800 people a year being killed or seriously injured.
Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond supported the RAC’s call for a review of sites. “I would encourage local authorities and partnerships to continue reviewing existing camera sites and other collision hotspots to help them decide whether cameras are the right solution for reducing collisions and casualties.” -Daily Mail