Up to ten people are killed on roads in the UK every day

The study, published by the government, also shows a 40% drop in the number of people killed or seriously injured on Britain's roads in the last three years

Researchers found that the number of vehicles speeding at the newest camera sites has dropped 71%.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said the study proved that safety cameras saves lives.

The three-year study also revealed there had been a 60% drop in people injured on roads in South Yorkshire which had speed cameras.

Proven impact

Chief Inspector Gary Parker, head of road traffic policing in West Yorkshire, said cameras had a significant impact on accidents.

"There is a proven impact which shows that through the presence of safety cameras, there is a significant reduction in collisions at those locations, which is consistent with a reduction in the vehicle speeds," he said.

"Clearly we are very pleased to see this reduction in personal injury figures and we will continue to work to make the roads safer."

The report estimated the benefit to society through the reduction in road casualties nationwide to be around �221m.