Drivers 'conflicted' over the death of speed cameras

Drivers are conflicted over whether they agree with councils turning off speed cameras, it is claimed.

In a survey of nearly 1,000 road users conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), 44 per cent supported government proposals to stop central funding for speed cameras, while 26 per cent were opposed and 30 per cent remained on the fence.

However, when asked in general terms about the value of speed cameras, 70 per cent of drivers approved of them.

Kevin Delaney, head of road safety at the IAM, says that these findings prove motorists respect the safety aspect of cameras, but resent being caught by them.

"A lot of people like the idea of a camera on their street, slowing the traffic and making their area safer, but feel cheated when they confront one on a main road or in a different area," he said.

The Department for Transport recently added to the anger of road safety groups by announcing plans to turn off motorway lighting during quiet times on certain stretches of motorway, to reduce costs and carbon emissions.