Majority agree with government over speed camera funding

Most people agree with the government’s policy to reduce safety camera funding, even though a significant majority are supportive of cameras in principle, a new survey has found.The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) questioned nearly 1,000 people and found that 44% supported government proposals to cut central funding of camera operations, with 30% unsure or expressing no opinion, and only 26% opposed. Conversely, safety cameras received a 70% approval rating overall.Kevin Delaney IAM head of road safety, said: “A lot of people like the idea of a camera on their street, slowing the traffic and making their area safer, but feel cheated when they confront one on a main road or in a different area. Rather than being purely hypocritical, it suggests drivers are seeing the lifesaving effects of cameras, but resent being caught out by them. It is the exact opposite of Nimbyism – everybody wants one in their own back yard, but nowhere else.”The figures show a big difference between the sexes, with 55% of men supporting the switch-off, whereas only 33% of women agreed. Women were 12% more supportive of speed cameras than men overall.Nearly half of respondents (49%) believed revenue generation through fines was the main motive behind installing safety cameras, with 26% feeling fines were not the motive. Another 26% were either unsure or expressed no opinion.Delaney added: “The 11-year study shows that support has declined slightly over time, but that cameras have maintained a good level of approval overall among the motoring public. There are still many people who believe that safety cameras are primarily for raising revenue who need convincing that well placed safety cameras really do deliver fewer deaths and serious injuries.”

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