FOCUS ON SPEEDING

Plans by the police to triple the number of speed cameras in the UK are outlined. Speeding is now the biggest killer on UK roads and plans to make speeding socially unacceptable. A model produced at TRL limited indicated that a 30% decrease in accidents has occurred in the vicinity of speed cameras. It is planned to target A roads. The Association of British Drivers (ABD) suggests that quality of driving is also important and that speed limits should be related to the quality of the road rather than political considerations. The road safety group BRAKE considers that making speed cameras more visible should be resisted and that fines for speeding should be increased. The Association of Chief Police Officers would prefer voluntary compliance with speed limits and that speed limiters be fitted to new cars. ABD consider that speed limiters prevent drivers from accelerating out of dangerous situations. Mobilising public opinion in favour of speed reductions is considered essential.