Losing speed cameras could cost hundreds of lives, says academic

Speed cameras have offered continuing road safety benefits since they were introduced, added Professor Richard Allsop of University College London.

He said a large majority of the public have consistently backed the use of cameras.

Following reductions in central Government grants to local authorities, some councils have switched off speed cameras.

Prepared for the RAC Foundation, Prof Allsop's report said that 800 more people could be killed or seriously injured each year on Britain's roads if all fixed and mobile speed cameras operational before the cutbacks were to be decommissioned.

Prof Allsop, who is University College's emeritus professor of transport studies, said the benefits of cameras were not just to be found at camera sites but across the wider road network.

His report also said that in 2007 just 4 out of every 60 raised in speed camera penalties was net income to the Treasury and there was no surplus for local authorities or the police.

Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: "The current crisis in funding for speed cameras – and road safety in general – leaves road users at real risk. The Government has said decisions on speed camera funding must be taken at local level which is why we are sending this evidence (from Prof Allsop's report) direct to all highway authorities. Councillors are perfectly within their rights to use scarce resources on things other than cameras but they need to know what the consequences could be."