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Camera myths

Myth 1 - Safety cameras don’t work
There's no denying the powerful and positive role that safety cameras can play in reducing vehicle speed and the consequent number of accidents on Essex's roads.

Research shows that safety cameras in Essex have helped to reduce the frequency of personal injury collisions by 22% at camera locations.*

Safety cameras have also helped to reduce the number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by 31% at new locations in Essex.*

*Source - Gains, A, Heydecker, B, Shrewsbury, J and Robertson, S (June 2005)

Myth 2 – The LTI 20.20 Lastec Speedscope Device is flawed
There have been a number of news articles relating to the accuracy of laser speed detection devices. The so called incorrect readings are only obtained by using the device in an unapproved manner, outside of operating guidance.

ACPO and the Home Office endorse the accuracy of the device when used correctly.

Myth 3 – Speed is not a major factor in fatal injuries
Exceeding the speed limit or going too fast for conditions were reported as a contributory factor in 15% of all accidents.

However, the factor became more significant with the severity of the accident; it was reported as contributory factor in 26% of fatal accidents and these accidents accounted for 28% of all fatalities (793 deaths). *

*Source – Robinson, David and Campbell, Richard Contributory Factors to Road Accidents, Department for Transport.

Myth 4 – Safety cameras are a waste of money
Research shows that there was a positive cost-benefit of around 2.7:1. In the fourth year of the National Safety Camera Programme, the benefits to society from the avoided injuries were in excess of £258million compared to enforcement costs of around £96million. *

*Source - Gains, A, Heydecker, B, Shrewsbury, J and Robertson, S (2005)

Myth 5 – Safety cameras raise revenue for local authorities and police
There is no link between the number of tickets or people detected and money given to local authorities or the police.

Safety cameras are funded by a road safety grant as part of the Local Transport Plan. This road safety grant can be spent on safety cameras or on any other locally agreed measures. All money from safety camera fines goes directly to HM Treasury.