The End of Speed Cameras ?

[clan2]

Swindon has become the first town in the UK to remove speed cameras.

Cash from speeding fines now goes straight to the Government under new laws, leaving councils to pay for camera maintenance.

Peter Greenhalgh, head of highways at Swindon Council objects to the increase in costs and 12-months-ago suggested all fixed speed cameras should be taken down.

The council unanimously decided to withdraw from the Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership.

Speaking after the vote, Mr Greenhalgh said: "I understand we are the first council in Britain to get rid of fixed-point speed cameras.

"Just because there will be no more fixed-point speed traps in the town does not mean motorists cannot be caught."

Drivers will instead be photographed by police who will be out and about with hand-held speed guns.


They are being used as a cash cow. I do take exception to the positioning of some mobile speed cameras. They are designed to raise revenue.

Tory councillor Peter Greenhalgh, head of highways, transport and strategic planning for Swindon

Mr Greenhalgh said that 70 people killed on Swindon's roads in 2007/08 shows fixed-point speed cameras were not working to curb motorists' excessive speed.

"We will be working very closely with our partners, including police in the road safety partnership to deliver a plan that reduces the number of people being killed on the roads in Swindon."

Alternative speed-reducing measures such as education and training for motorists and reduced speed limits in problem areas are being considered.

This news will be celebrated by motorists across the land, including Jeremy Clarkson, presenter of BBC's Top Gear who has in the past voiced heart-felt support for Mr Greenhalgh.

[salopstick]

Big debate on 5 live this morning. some mother whose kid was killed by a speeding driver says a camera would have saved his life.

i am sympathetic but disagree, how many times have you seen (or done for that matter) cars braking hard by speed cameras.

i believe STATIC SPEED cameras are a stealth tax and money spent on these cameras would be better spent on other road calming measures and education.

one idea i would have is to have more those single lane chicane things in built up areas and outside all schools or increased mobile patrols

[jacksscfc]

Speed cameras should be used in accident blackspots only..... Unfortunately a good deterrent for the prevention of accidents has been abused to make money, resulting in everyone getting pissed off...

[st0kecity]

In firm agreement with salop here, yes, they slow down traffic for the 100 yards or so where the camera's are, but people do speed between the camera's.

Personally I think the "Slam on your anchors" mentality is infinitely more dangerous.

[truckerged]

dont get carried away lads/lasses if they do get rid of speed cameras they will replace them with average spped cameras[popular abroad i think]i was reading the other day where the manufacturers of said av speed cams have wrote to all councils showing how much money they could expect to recooperate. and we all know all councils are looking at all ways to raise funds[have to find the money for their ahem allowances somewhere?]
personally i think they have their place i.e. accident blackspots the ones on the a34 a dual carriageway ffs are a complete joke. as are the police van type they are nothing else but a cash cow.
given the terrible crash on the m6 again i wouldnt complain about av speed checks between j14 and j17