Independent survey released
Safety cameras change driver behaviour
Tuesday 12 October 2010
A recent independent survey, commissioned by the Scottish Safety Camera Programme, has confirmed that safety cameras are having a positive effect on driver behaviour. 800 drivers, across Scotland, were asked for their opinions on safety cameras and speed related issues. The survey concluded that awareness and understanding of safety cameras is high with the majority of motorists saying that being detected speeding by cameras has changed the way they drive for the better.
91% of speeding offenders stated they were more aware of their speed as a result of being detected and 39% said they no longer speed.
When asked what makes drivers speed, almost half of the respondents said that they believed it was because they were either in a rush or impatient.
The Scottish Safety Camera Programme Director, Jim Dale said: “We are encouraged by the results of this survey; it demonstrates that the public are supportive of safety cameras. People believe that if they speed they will arrive at their destination quicker, in reality they will probably only save a couple of minutes but in the process they are putting themselves and other road users at risk. Whatever the argument for or against safety cameras; the fact is that speeding is dangerous, antisocial and illegal.”
The survey also looked at what would help prevent drivers speeding in the future and the top two responses were for more driver training and more safety cameras.