Fresh calls for government action on speed

26 January 2010

From: Brake, the road safety charity, PO Box 548, Huddersfield, HD1 2XZ
Tel: 01484 559909 Out of hours: 07976 069159 E-mail: news@brake.org.uk

Fresh calls for Government action to step up the use of average speed cameras and set a clear timetable for the introduction of Intelligent Speed Adaptation technology were outlined in a report published today by the Sustainable Development Commission.

The report reveals that 49% of drivers exceed the speed limit in 30mph zones. The Commission is urging better enforcement of the speed limit in urban areas through average speed cameras. This type of camera was approved to enforce 20 and 30mph speed limits in 2009 but is still not being used widely by local authorities.

The report also recommends:

Time over distance cameras are used to enforce speed limits on motorways. Department for Transport figures have shown that the 70mph speed limit is being ignored by 52% of motorists.
Encourage introduction of voluntary intelligent speed adaption technology in a timely manner.
Consider trials of intelligent speed adaption by fitting to ministerial and other Government Car and Despatch Agency vehicles. If successful the technology should be rolled out to all government, public sector and public transport operator’s vehicles

Speed is thought to be a major contributing factor in between a quarter and a third of all road deaths, devastating thousands of lives every year. Young people are particularly vulnerable to drivers who speed, and six children under 16 are killed or seriously injured while walking or cycling every day in Britain. The use of average speed cameras has been shown to reduce the number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by 53%, and those exceeding it by more than 15mph by 100%.[1] Brake urges the Government to ensure that these cameras are being used to enforce speed limits and save lives.

Click here to read the report.

[1] The National Safety Camera Programme: A Four Year Evaluation Report, University College, London and PA Consulting Group, 2005