DRIVERS DEMAND MORE WARNINGS ABOUT SPEED CAMERAS
18 July 2005 - Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists

Britain’s drivers want more warning signs about speed cameras and speed limits on roads where cameras are sited, according to a new survey for the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).

Nearly nine out of ten drivers (88%) say every roadside speed camera should carry a sign on it, advising motorists of the speed limit. And more than eight out of ten (82%) also want vehicle-activated signs placed ahead of cameras to provide an early reminder of the speed limit.

Overwhelming support for a range of changes in the rules governing cameras are revealed in a nationally representative NOP survey of 550 drivers carried out for the IAM, the UK''s leading organisation for improving driving standards.

More than seven out of ten drivers (76%) want all roadside cameras painted yellow, including traffic light and yellow box cameras. And more than six out of ten (62%) would like to see the money left over after covering the cost of speed camera enforcement used to pay for hundreds more traffic police.

John Maxwell, IAM Chairman, said:

''Speed cameras should be about compliance, not capture. Posting speed limits on cameras and putting up early warning signs would leave drivers in no doubt about what maximum speed they should be doing.

''If the government wants to make speeding as socially unacceptable as drinking and driving, it has to raise public support for cameras. It should make all cameras conspicuous, not just some. And it should consider using the money from fines on what most people are calling for ­ more traffic police ­ instead of giving it to Gordon Brown.

''More than £20 million a year from fixed penalties is going to the Treasury. That money could buy more than 600 extra traffic constables, who can exercise more of the discretion that motorists want.''

The survey also reveals that an overwhelming majority ­ more than eight out of ten drivers (84%) ­ think speed limits should be varied according to weather and traffic conditions.

John Maxwell said:

''The thinking behind the speed limits on many roads simply isn''t clear to many drivers, causing widespread frustration and disobedience. We need a national review so that speed limits are set at levels which are sensible, understandable and acceptable.''

The survey shows that drivers are equally split over whether speed cameras are mostly or all about saving lives (48%), or about raising money (45%). And one in ten drivers (11%) are dishonest enough to say that, if they knew someone who was caught by a speed camera, it would be acceptable to cover for them by accepting the fine and taking the points on their own licence.

At the same time, the survey shows that most drivers are unaware of the dangers of speeding, especially in built-up areas. Drivers were first told that an adult pedestrian hit by a car at 30 mph had a 20% of chance of being killed, and were then asked what they thought the chance of death was at 40 mph. Only a third (35%) gave the correct answer of 90%.

www.iam.org.uk

More News
  For July 2005
  From Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists
  For Safety
  Biker247.com Home Page