Average speed cameras ‘better at slowing cars down’
RAC figures show that eight in 10 drivers think average speed cameras are better at slowing traffic than traditional fixed ones.
In an survey of over 2,000 motorists, 79% of respondents claim average speed cameras are most effective, compared to just 9% who thought fixed location cameras worked better.
Average speed cameras are commonly used to monitor the speed of vehicles traveling on motorways and track speeds over longer distances.
However, the study shows motorists remain unsure about cameras overall, with over 1 in 4 (27%) believing their sole aim to be raising money from drivers.
READ MORE: Speeding fines – how much you now have to pay & speed camera news
Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
• Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
• We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
• Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
The RAC says the figures show that average speed cameras are helping support messages about road safety.
Road safety spokesman Pete Williams said: “Our research suggests the growing use of average speed cameras in motorway roadworks and increasingly on sections of A-road is reinforcing the road safety message, as they are extremely effective at slowing down drivers.
“We know that some drivers can be very cynical about speed cameras, with a significant minority having told us they believe they are more about raising revenue than they are about road safety.
“Interestingly, these latest findings show there is now a strong acceptance that they are there to help save lives and prevent casualties on the road.”
IN OTHER NEWS: Inflatable speed camera inventor ‘could face jail’, EU ruling means speed limiters will be mandatory in the UK by 2022 & New 'speed on green' cameras explained
When asked about each type of camera, 86% of respondents claim that average speed cameras are effective at getting vehicles to slow down.
In contrast, while figures show that while 70% of drivers think traditional fixed cameras are good to slowing traffic down, 80% feel they make little difference beyond their immediate location.
When asked about the purpose of speed cameras, almost one in four drivers (37%) believe they are there to help slow vehicles at accident blackspots, while 36% think that they are both to help safety and collect revenue.
For more information about different types of speed camera, get up to speed with our handy guide.
Read more: Speed cameras placed in ‘good hunting locations’ rather than to improve road safety & Unfair speeding fines? Motorists question 'snap happy' speed camera accuracy
You might also like
Birmingham plans congestion charge by 2020
What are graduated driving licences?
RAC guide on graduated driving licences and how they are used in the UK. Read more to find out if they will be introduced on UK roads anytime soon.
Video
Car child seat laws: everything you need to know
Car seat laws have changed, specifically around booster seats. If you're not clued up you could be breaking the law and putting your child's life at risk.
Bus lanes: who can use them and when?
Bus lanes are used to separate traffic and ensure it flows freely through busy streets and are marked by dashed white lines or a solid white line.
Popular in News
1
Car buyers to save thousands as EV grant returns
2
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
3
Drivers fined £1m from just 36 yellow box junctions in 2024
4
Road deaths on the rise in Great Britain
5
Private parking industry urged to publish ‘full and transparent’ complaints and appeals data
6
Drivers now able to search for new home that comes with EV chargers
7
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
8
Number of drivers caught using unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 52% in a year
9
Warning to drivers across the UK over fake parking apps
10