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Safety Cameras are Saving 100 Lives a Year in Britain 

 

15 June 2004

 

 

The number of people killed or seriously injured at sites where safety cameras are in use has fallen by 40%, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling announced today. This equates to over 100 fewer deaths a year.

 

The results come from an independent report evaluating the first three years of the safety camera scheme and coincide with the publication of details of every site where a camera may be used, including data on the reasons for their approval and the impact they have had on casualties.

 

 

The three year report covering 24 partnerships shows:

 

Effect on casualties at camera sites - beyond the long-term downward trend

  • There was a 40% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI);
  • There were 870 fewer KSIs per year, including over 100 fewer deaths;
  • There was a 33% fall in injury accidents - 4,030 fewer per year;
  • There was a 35% reduction in pedestrians killed or seriously injured.

 

Fixed-location speed cameras in Britain are painted bright yellow for conspicuity and are preceded by warning signs (see below)

Photo: Newspress

Effect on speed

  • Average speeds at new sites fell by around 7% or 2.4mph;

  • Average speed at urban sites fell by around 8%;

  • The number of vehicles speeding at new camera sites dropped by 71%.

 

Other findings

  • 79% of people asked said they support the use of cameras to reduce casualties;

  • The benefit to society through casualties saved is about £221 million per year.

 

Alistair Darling said:

 

"These figures prove that cameras save lives. The number of people speeding has come down and there has been a significant reduction in deaths and injuries at camera sites.

 

"Up to ten people are killed on our roads each day. We owe it to them and their families to do everything we can to improve road safety even further.

 

"Most camera sites have achieved good results. We will be asking the partnerships where results were not as good as other sites to see what more could be done to achieve the greatest casualty reductions."

 

The release of the casualty data coincides with the publication of detailed camera site data. This shows the location of every approved camera site and gives the road safety justification.

 

Alistair Darling added:

 

"We've published the location of every site where a camera may be used. These show why the cameras were installed and the effect they have had on casualties. The vast majority have delivered real benefits in safety and prove that the cameras are justified and they're effective.
Speed camera warning sign - UK

 

"I have asked the partnerships who operate the cameras to take a look at the details of the sites. It is for them to ensure that the cameras which have had less impact on reducing casualties are needed and are still the best road safety solution."

 

The casualty reduction tables show the casualty reduction at camera sites. Table 1 shows the reduction in killed and seriously injured in the partnerships who have been in the scheme for 18 months or more.

 

 

 

Source: DfT News Release 2004/0067