Police chief's attack

Jun 16 2004 By Neil Mckay, The Journal

Government hits back

The Government hit back at speed camera critics yesterday by publishing figures showing the devices were considerably reducing deaths and serious injuries.

Produced by University College London, the statistics showed that deaths and serious injuries had fallen by an average of 40pc at camera sites in the three years to mid-2003.

This was the equivalent of 100 fewer deaths a year - a figure hailed by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling, and safety and environment groups. But the anti-camera group the Safe Speed Road Safety Campaign said the figures were "deeply flawed", while the Association of British Drivers said the UK's road-death reduction rate was far lower than that of some European countries.

As many as 42 police force areas in England, Scotland and Wales are now in the Government's camera partnership scheme in which money raised goes towards new cameras, with the Treasury receiving any surplus.

The report also showed:

There were 870 fewer people killed or seriously injured per year;

There was a 33pc fall in injury accidents - 4,030 fewer per year;

The number of vehicles speeding at new camera sites dropped by 71pc;

79pc of people surveyed supported the use of cameras to reduce casualties;

The benefit to society through casualties saved was about £221m a year;

Mr Darling said: "These figures prove that cameras save lives."

The Association of Chief Police Officers said the report showed that cameras did and could save lives, while the AA Motoring Trust said that motorists needed to be reminded that cameras were about safety and not revenue.

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Page 3: Chief's figures