NEW research has revealed that speed cameras can slash the rates of death and serious injury at accident blackspots by 35%.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has revealed findings from a two-year pilot scheme where eight areas were allowed to re-invest cash generated by speeding fines into the installation of more cameras.

The report found that where the speed cameras were in operation there was a 35% reduction in people killed or seriously injured. There was also a 14% reduction in personal injury accidents at camera sites and a 56% reduction in the number of pedestrians being killed or seriously injured.

The report also found that average speeds at all camera sites fell by 10% or 3.7mph. The average speed at urban sites, such as 30/40mph areas, fell by 12-13%. The number of vehicles breaking the speed limit dropped by 67%.

Darling said: 'The report clearly shows speed cameras are working. Speeds are down and so are deaths and injuries. I hope this reinforces the message that speed cameras are there to stop people speeding and make the roads safer.'

However, fleets have yet to be convinced of the benefits of strictly enforcing slower speeds to reduce accidents, with the majority supporting an increase in the motorway speed limit from 70mph to 80mph.