Brits question the effectiveness of speed cameras as 83 per cent believe drivers ‘put their foot down’ after passing one
Although most people support the need for cameras, half of motorists believe they do not discourage speeding
DRIVERS have a mixed attitude towards traffic cameras as motorists question if they are actually effective.
On one hand 70 per cent support their use if it leads to a reduction in accidents and casualties on the road but on the other 83 per cent agree they only cause drivers to slow down then speed up again after the camera has been cleared.
Over half of Brits say cameras are designed to make money and 50 per cent believe they do not effectively discourage drivers from offending.
The figures are from the RAC Foundation's public attitude survey towards 'automated enforcement'.
The study reveals that 61 per cent of motorists would feel more confident about traffic cameras if there was at least some involvement by a real person.
Stricter punishments for speeders were also introduced in April 2017.
Serious offenders now face fines equivalent to 175 per cent of their weekly income and six points on their driving licence.
Despite this, 1.2million drivers attended a speed awareness course last year.
Meanwhile, more traffic cameras are on the road than ever with 70 per cent of Brits noticing one within a five to 10 minutes' drive from their home.
However, less than half of the public trust the government and relevant authorities to use all monitoring in the right way.
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Steve Gooding, RAC Foundation Director, said: “This survey reveals that we are broadly tolerant of living in a surveillance society with two thirds of those questioned agreeing that camera-based monitoring is more of a force for good in society than for bad.
“But when it comes to monitoring of behaviour on the roads we continue to have a complex relationship with cameras.
“There remains a suspicion amongst many that the rationale for some cameras is to raise revenue rather than cut congestion or make our roads safer.
“We believe the best way to tackle the scepticism about camera deployment is to ensure the data relating to their use is captured comprehensively and published openly so that the relevant authorities, and motorists themselves, can be informed by having the facts speak for themselves.”