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Daily Mail, Monday, August 8, 2005
By Robin Yapp
Speed cameras make ‘no significant difference' to road safety, according to an official report. A study of cameras at motorway roadworks found that they had no effect on the number of accidents at the sites.
The findings, contained in a report produced by independent researchers for the Highways Agency, were revealed after campaigners made a request to the Department of Transport under Freedom of Information rules.
But they are believed to date back more than 18 months and the Highways Agency was accused last night of trying to cover them up.
Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed campaign group, said it was an ‘outrage' because hundreds more cameras had been installed in this time.
“The Highways Agency knew that cameras did nothing for safety – all they have been doing is spreading misery and raising revenue,” he said. “These cameras are legalised extortion – no more and no less.”
The Transport Research Laboratory monitored 29 motorway roadworks sites between November 2001 and July 2003. During this time there were 423 accidents resulting in injuries but the researchers conclude: “No significant difference was observed in the personal injury rate for sites with and without speed cameras.”
Mr Smith added: “How dare they keep this information hidden for 18 months. These abuses of information are outrageous.”
The revelation comes just weeks after it emerged that fatal road accidents have risen dramatically in areas where the use of speed cameras has increased.
A study by the Motorcycle News showed that, in Hertfordshire, camera numbers rose by 24 per cent and road deaths went up by 34.2 per cent.
In County Durham, which has just one mobile camera unit, deaths fell by 24 per cent.
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