New analysis of road collision statistics by the independent transport safety and road user behaviour consultancy Agilysis, shows that 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.
Agilysis analysed 194 UK sites where Jenoptik’s SPECS average speed cameras have been installed as a permanent measure. Of these, 120 sites had at least 12 months’ worth of post installation data, with analysis demonstrating a statistically significant reduction on fatal and serious collisions. Comparing accident data before and after the installation shows that Fatal and Serious Collisions (FSC) reduced by 50% on those stretches of road; annualised figures fell from 259 before SPECS average speed schemes were introduced to 129 afterwards.
The consultants built upon methodology used in the 2016 study they carried out for the RAC Foundation, looking at the ‘Effectiveness of Average Speed Cameras in Great Britain’. They took official collision data from the Department for Transport and compared the three years before with post installation data, mapping the locations of collisions against the stretches of road with Jenoptik SPECS camera enforcement installed.
“This was a great project to be involved in, using our experience and heritage in analysing statistics around the effectiveness of road safety interventions, alongside our development of interactive online data visualisations,” explained Agylisis Analytics Manager, Lyndsey Owen. “Taking data that had been sitting in spreadsheets for many years and then processing it into online maps and analysis tools meant we could show quickly and clearly the impact of the schemes. The analysis proved the statistically significant casualty reduction benefits associated with the Jenoptik Average Speed Camera installations that we studied.”
“Having worked with and developed average speed enforcement technology for many years, I know that it works, but now I have statistical proof to go with it,” added Jenoptik’s Deputy Managing Director. “I also know motorists value our solution as being a much fairer intervention, so it is gratifying to present the evidence to show they’re not only fair but a lifesaver too.
“However, simply installing Average Speed Cameras does not guarantee these benefits; a scheme will only be effective if it is designed, applied and operated with a clear understanding for the technology, the local environment and the casualty reduction objectives, and that is where our experience really counts.”
Jenoptik is committing to working with official data sources to understand the effect of SPECS schemes on different road types and in different areas and will report further findings in the New Year.
(Picture – Jenoptik)
