Study finds speed camera support

A survey of attitudes to speed cameras in Cumbria suggested most people support their use.

Researchers interviewed 400 people in the county last month for the study on behalf of Cumbria Safety Cameras.

The organisation said some of the results were "pleasantly surprising" and that most people were in favour of the work it was doing.

But Paul Smith, from Safe Speed, claimed the survey was geared to produce a positive response.

The research found seven out of 10 thought the cameras were meant to encourage drivers to keep to limits, were not there to punish them and disagreed there were too many cameras in Cumbria.

Questioned cameras

Two thirds agreed that less accidents happen on roads where cameras are installed and three fifths agreed that cameras mean dangerous drivers are more likely to be caught.

Cumbria Safety Camera spokesman Kevin Tea said: "While 45% of those surveyed said that the use of cameras had made them change the way they drove, this figure rose to 58% in the 16-24 age group, a sector we thought we may not have been getting through to.

"This age group represents a high proportion of those killed and seriously injured and we need to make them aware of their vulnerability."

Mr Smith questioned the success of speed cameras in saving lives.

He said: "We have now get a nation of drivers who are more concerned with the number on their speedometer from time to time than they are with what's going on in the road ahead.

"They are more concerned for their driving licence and the location of the next camera from what's going on on the road ahead."