Town that scrapped 'motorist tax' speed cameras sees no increase in accidents



The first town in Britain to scrap fixed speed cameras has seen no increase in accidents, it was revealed yesterday.

But the number of motorists prosecuted for speeding there dropped by more than 40 per cent.

Swindon switched off its cameras over claims they were a ' blatant tax on the motorist' which did nothing to improve safety.

Out of use: Swindon's speed cameras were deemed a 'blatant tax on motorists'

Yesterday, supporters of the move hailed the figures as proof they were right.

Now the Conservative-run council has urged other authorities to follow suit, saying the money can be better spent on other measures to cut casualties.

In the six months after the fixed cameras were switched off at the end of July, nine accidents were recorded - the same number as in the equivalent period the year before.

Between August last year and January, there were seven minor injury accidents and two serious ones - neither fatal - at the four sites monitored by the cameras.

In the six months from August 2008 there were eight minor accidents and one fatal.

A comparison of speeding fines issued over the two six-month periods reveals a drop of 42 per cent - from 3,681 to 2,120.



Of the 2008-09 total, 1,393 motorists were caught by the fixed cameras that have now been deactivated - the rest by mobile cameras, which remain in use.

The fall was revealed in figures released under the Freedom of Information Act. It means the Government - which receives income from the fixed cameras - has lost revenue of around £80,000.

Yesterday, Swindon Council leader Roderick Bluh said: 'Fixed speed cameras are more about fund-raising than road safety. These figures completely vindicate our position.'

The council admits that with only four fixed camera sites, the figures could be 'a blip', but Mr Bluh insisted the move was for the good of local motorists.

Opposition councillors, however, say it has turned the town into a magnet for 'boy racers'.

Labour councillor Derique Montaut said: 'I know the cameras are very unpopular with some individuals, but removing them hasn't reduced speed levels, it's increased speed levels.'

The Conservatives have pledged in their manifesto to end support for more fixed cameras in favour of other ways of cutting road casualties, such as testing drivers for illegal drugs.