Use of Speed Cameras

I fully support the use of speed cameras and make absolutely no apology for doing so. I know there are a minority of people who for some strange reason oppose their use - but I fundamentally disagree with their position.

Speed is a contributory factor in many accidents - but obviously not all. Therefore speed is an important contribution to reducing the 3500 people still killed in motoring accidents every year. If a driver hits a child at 30 mph they stand an 80% chance of living. If that same driver hits the child at 40 mph the child has an 80% chance of dying. As speed cameras have to meet strict criteria about the number of previous accidents they will only be placed in spots where reducing speed could contribute to preventing further injury and deaths. They are there simply to reduce speed of people breaking the law. If you stick to the speed limit you don't get caught - and don't get fined. It's pretty simple really. They make it easy enough not to get caught. You should know the speed limit if you area competent driver. They then warn you cameras are around and then paint them bright yellow just to make sure. Its a wonder anybody still gets caught. I fear the worst argument I hear is about drivers who think they are safe to break the speed limit in dry or clear conditions for example. I wonder at the arrogance of some motorists and why they think road laws don't apply to them.

I hope that eventually we don't need speed cameras. I long for the day when people eventually wake up to their responsibilities when in control of a 2 tonne potential killing machine and obey speed restrictions. I don't just support cameras - I support any other method for reducing speed and I know in some circumstances they are equally successful. However, it unfortunate that in many cases the only way to get people to obey a law is by fining them - whereas i would like to appeal to their common sense rather than their pocket.