A leading UK expert on speed cameras and automated speed enforcement says latest figures showing a “dramatic” decrease in crashes at a camera site in Cornwall shows they work in making our roads safer.

Timo Thornton, Traffic Law Enforcement Business Manager at enforcement provider Jenoptik was reacting to figures from Road Safety GB which show that on the A38 between Dobwalls and Bodmin has seen a 45% reduction in serious collisions before-and-after the installation of average speed cameras.

“Long term data like this debunks the myth that cameras are put in to raise money or to ‘scam’ motorists,” Mr Thornton told Highways News.  “A well-designed, conspicuous average speed enforcement system results in very high compliance with the speed limits, leading to significant reductions in the numbers of deaths and serious injuries, whilst issuing very few speeding tickets.”

This data backs up an independent study from data firm Agilysis in December 2021 which found average speed cameras have contributed to casualty reduction by halving the number of crashes, where someone was either killed or seriously injured.  In real terms, these figures equate to the UK benefiting from a reduction of more than 100 fatal or serious crashes every year.

Timo Thornton added that the technology’s benefits go beyond road safety: “In addition to lives protected and life-changing injuries avoided, the overall reduction in collisions reduces the frequency of delays and road closures, whilst consistent traffic speeds improve traffic flows, benefiting all road users,” he said.

(Picture – Jenoptik/Vision Zero South West)