Selecting Camera Sites
Who decides where cameras go?The general rules for siting cameras are determined by the Programme (ultimately the Scottish Government on the advice of the Scottish Advisory Board). However it is for local partnerships to determine suitable camera sites within this framework.
How many accidents are needed at proposed sites for enforcement in order for cameras to be placed ?The criteria for the siting of new cameras can be found in the Scottish Safety Camera Handbook of Rules and Guidance.
Why are camera sites so strictly controlled?The Programme aims to ensure that the areas of greatest need of casualty reduction are targeted. It seeks to ensure that safety cameras are placed where there is a history of speed related road accidents and thereby to avoid an undue proliferation of cameras across Scotland. The funding for partnerships is made available on the condition that camera enforcement activity is aimed at casualty reduction.
What happens when a camera has served its purpose and accidents have been reduced or eradicated completely?Cameras are reviewed after three years of operation. Cameras that have been shown to reduce casualties can remain within the Programme either as a camera that continues to meet the Programme criteria or in a 15% flexibility rule. The 15% flexibility rule allows partnerships to continue to operate a camera or site that does not meet the strict criteria when it serves to address a community concern or where the camera is believed to continue to serve a road safety purpose. In these cases the combined total of camera enforcement at sites included within the 15% is limited to 15% of total projected offenders at all sites. This is to prevent distorting the operational priorities of reducing casualties at sites with the greatest need.
In the exceptional circumstances where a camera has not had the desired effect a partnership will be required to look at the reasons why, to consider the future operation of the site or consider alternative methods of reducing casualties in partnership with other agencies. There is no requirement on partnerships to remove cameras although the Programme may decide not to provide funding for cameras that do not meet the criteria or are outside the 15% flexibility rule.
Why are cameras not placed outside schools and hospitals?Where the criteria are met for siting cameras at these vulnerable locations cameras will be a possible solution. However in many cases the issue is inappropriate speed where driving at the permitted speed limit presents a danger. Enforcing at the speed limit will not tackle inappropriate speed if for instance it is more appropriate to drive at 20 mph in a 30 mph limit. It is the responsibility of motorists to read the road conditions and environment and to select the most appropriate speed. That will not always be 30 mph in a 30 mph limit.
In many cases other measures to reduce speed such as traffic calming will be more appropriate.