The organisation’s data shows that over 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, 80% of motorists accept the use of speed cameras, although this is down 1% on last year’s survey. A total of 79% think that speed cameras are useful to reducing injuries, a fall of 6% from the 2012 findings.
Scottish motorists are the least likely to have someone in their household with speeding points but they are also the most against speed cameras and speed awareness courses.
Support for speed awareness courses has increased. Three quarters of motorists support the use of speed awareness courses, up from 70% in 2011.
IAM chief executive Simon Best 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%
|
