The number of people that think speed cameras are useful to reducing injuries has fallen from 85% last year to 79% this year, according to the latest research from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM). 

More than half of drivers (52%) do not believe that cameras are only sited at locations where accidents happen. 

Almost half of drivers think that raising money is the main purpose of safety cameras. 

However, the use of speed cameras is supported by the majority of the motoring public with 80% accepting the use of speed cameras - down 1% on last year’s survey. 

Support for speed awareness courses has increased this year.

Three-quarters of motorists now support the use of speed awareness courses - up from 70% in 2011.

Scottish motorists are the most against speed cameras and speed awareness courses. 

However, they are the least likely to have someone in their household with speeding points.

Simon Best, chief executive of the IAM, said: "Speed cameras are a successful road safety solution at key crash sites and it’s important that the government and safety camera partnerships work to maintain a positive view so that the rising suspicion amongst motorists does not become a trend.

“During times of austerity, drivers are increasingly seeing speed cameras as revenue raising apparatus and are sceptical of their importance for road safety.”

Regional breakdown of results 

Region

% in favour of speed cameras

Wales

87%

South East

86%

London

86%

North East

84%

South West

82%

West Midlands

82%

East of England

81%

North West

78%

Yorkshire and Humberside

77%

East Midlands

75%

Scotland

63%

 

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