Roads: Speed cameras are no deterrent

Speed cameras are failing both to deter over-fast motorists and to punish them properly, says a survey published today. Only 20 per cent of drivers said the risk of being caught by a speed camera made them drive within the speed limit at all times. Of those caught by a speed camera, only one in 10 received a fine or had penalty points on their licence.

The survey, by insurance company Touchline, also showed that 80 per cent of motorists admitted exceeding the speed limit. Only 30 per cent said they had been knowingly caught by a speed camera while 40 per cent said they only drove within the limit when warned that they were approaching a camera and 60 per cent made a mental note of where the cameras were so they could alter their speed accordingly.