Other Questions
What are the speed limits?
The general speed limits are given in Section 103 of the Highway Code www.highwaycode.gov.uk. These are the general limits applicable but limits may change or be altered temporarily. These are maximum limits. Circumstances may dictate that the speed at which it is safe to drive your vehicle is lower than these limits. Section 104 of the Highway Code www.highwaycode.gov.uk gives advice on the need to reduce your speed depending upon circumstances.
I've bought a radar and laser detector for my vehicle so I shouldn't have to worry about getting caught should I?
There are a number of such devices available that may help you identify where cameras are located including our own Cam Finder. As these are typically places where a number of accidents have occurred in the past you exercise extra vigilance in these places. Remember as far as enforcement lasers and radars used by mobile camera units are concerned, the only time there is likely to be any signal to detect is while your speed is being measured and you won’t be able to avoid being caught.
Isn’t there a risk that because drivers are watching their speedometer, they could cause an accident by not paying more attention to the road?
There is no evidence to suggest this is the case whatsoever. Driving is by nature a multi-task activity requiring the driver to pay attention to a number of operational and environmental stimuli. A speedometer is there to tell you what speed you are travelling at. It can only do this if you look at it.
Safe driving requires concentration at all times and qualified drivers should be well aware of the approximate speed they are travelling without the need to constantly check their speedometers.
Because the police rely on cameras, isn’t this reducing their ability and opportunity to detect other road traffic offences which has an impact on casualty figures?
Levels of road policing is a matter for each Chief Constable. The Scottish Safety Camera Programme makes additional funding available to police forces for camera enforcement activity. This can in turn release resources for other policing activity including road policing.
What is the public's view of safety cameras?
Support for safety cameras among the public is high. Polling regularly undertaken by partnerships shows around three quarters of the public believe the "primary aim" of cameras is to save lives.
Why don't you opt for other methods of making drivers slow down?
Safety cameras are just one method for encouraging drivers to slow down. Safety camera partnerships are required to consider whether other means of improving road safety are more appropriate before installing a safety camera. Other methods that will be considered by a partnership include education and road engineering solutions such as traffic calming, changes to the speed limit and improved signage.