Speed cameras have cut deaths and serious injury by 35% - Rospa

Britain's most senior police officer has criticised the use of speed cameras as a way of raising cash.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens, 61, told the Daily Mirror: "I don't approve of the use of speed cameras as money making devices.

"The proper use for speed cameras is as a measure to lower the accident rate."

Sir John spoke out amid anger at the rising number of cameras, which land drivers with a �60 fine and penalty points on their licence.

He said he had insisted all the Met's cameras be placed where there was a history of serious accidents.

"I am not after people on the school run exceeding the limit by five or six miles an hour," he said.

We don't want your money, we want to save your life Lisa Lee Department For Transport

"I want my traffic policing to target the dangerous drivers, the road hogs, and the menaces who are driving unlicensed and uninsured."

The Department for Transport (DFT) agrees with Sir John.

"We look forward to the day when not a single ticket is issued. We don't want your money, we want to save your life," DFT spokeswoman Lisa Lee told BBC News Online.

She said of �73m raised from speed cameras by Safety Camera Partnerships - made up of police, local authorities and magistrates courts - �66m had been reimbursed to police forces to cover the cost of operating, installing and maintaining cameras.

Fines can only be used to promote road safety Acpo

And the �7m surplus had gone to the Treasury.

Roger Vincent, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa), said: "Speed cameras save lives. They should be placed in areas where there are proven accident problems and as far as we know they are.

"There has been a 35% reduction in deaths and serious injuries in areas where speed cameras have been placed."

An Association of Chief Police Officers spokeswoman said: "Rules established by the government ensure revenue from fines can only be used to promote road safety.