Acceptance growing for safety cameras, says IAM study
The results showed 82% of those surveyed believe safety cameras are an acceptable way to police speeding motorists, and 85% said they thought the units were a contributing factor to the fall in road deaths since the 1990s.
But cynicism remains, with 45% saying they thought raising revenue was the main reason for their usage. Responses also showed widespread acceptance of training, rather than fines, as a way to improve road safety – 72% agreed that speed awareness courses were a good idea.
IAM chief executive Simon Best said: ‘Simply catching and fining drivers does not change drivers’ awareness of the hazards of excessive speed. The popularity of speed awareness courses show that the public think training is the best option.
‘Speed cameras are an essential part of the policing toolkit and are becoming more and more accepted, but it’s clear that some people need reassuring about their purpose and funding.’