BRITAIN’S motorists have criticised the use of speed cameras – but there is also a lack of awareness over national speed limits, a new survey reveals.

More than 700 motorists were quizzed as part of the research and it was found that 58% of them view speed cameras as a risk to road safety.

They say that drivers are always looking out for the next camera and change their speed erratically near camera sites.

The survey, carried out by motor insurance company First Alternative, revealed that just over half of drivers knew that the speed limit on a single carriageway is 60mph. Survey respondents who were negative towards speed cameras were also asked what would change their opinion towards them.

A total of 36% said fairer penalties, for example graduated fines and penalty points depending on the speed limit caught, 29% want speed cameras made more visible and 21% would be satisfied if an independent body could statistically prove that speed cameras reduced the number of deaths and road accidents. A further 10% were adamant nothing could be done to change their minds.

First Alternative chief executive Colin Batabyal said: ‘A number of motorists caught by speed cameras may not be deliberately flouting the law or driving dangerously – they just aren’t aware of national speed limits. Drivers’ negative perceptions of speed cameras could be changed if there were fairer penalties for speeders. This is an ideal opportunity for the UK Government to build bridges with motorists by looking at how to make drivers better aware of speed limits and so avoid being caught in the first place and by working with them to develop a fair ‘punishment’ for those caught.’

The survey results come as Fleet News is highlighting the issues surrounding speed cameras in its Speed Wise campaign.