Speed camera axing leads to fewer deaths

Since the launch of speed cameras over 20 years ago, there has been much controversy over whether or not lives have been saved as a result of them. Most argue that with the introduction of speed cameras, the environment has gotten more polluted as motorists brake harshly before a camera and then spill out exhaust gas as they speed away. As the government continues to find ways to save money in this long winding recession, speed cameras are one of the ways where money can be saved.

Although there seems to be an abundance of speed cameras everywhere from the town centre to the dual carriageway and motorway, around 3,000 speed cameras are switched off as local councils try to save money in maintenance. Since speed cameras have started to be turned off permanently or for a trial basis, road deaths have fallen 21% with 14% alone in three months.

Other organisations suggest that speed cameras are reduced and more traffic police are appointed to stop drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol and those that drive dangerously and recklessly. The UK has a large volume of drivers that fall into those categories unlike the United States as they have more traffic police whose job it is to stop and penalise offenders. But as the government and Met police look at ways to save money, the likelihood of having similar schemes to other countries abroad seem very unlikely.

While many motorists will argue that this is an incentive to abolish speed cameras almost completely as evidence has shown that road deaths and collisions are reducing, there is also another explanation as to why fatalities involving vehicles have decreased. Other organisations suggest that during a recession people are more concerned with finances so they choose to travel less, therefore are less likely to be involved in an accident. This is an excellent point as many people mostly those with families are opting to walk rather than take the family car; this means that they are less exposed to danger and has nothing to do with councils switching off speed cameras.

You may find that driving over the speed limit will not result in a fine as many cameras are now switched off but have not yet been taken down. There are many areas in the UK where locals know of this and use it to their advantage and continue to speed rather than slowing down as they know that the speed camera that is so easy to see is actually switched off.