Driver Views on Speed and Enforcement

This paper reports on the results of a public opinion survey regarding the use of speed cameras for speed enforcement. 609 drivers were interviewed at 5 gas stations near speed camera installations in Israel, in 2010 (before installations) and in 2011 (after installation, just prior to becoming operational). The survey was part of a larger study that accompanied the introduction of digital speed cameras in Israel. In terms of admitted speed violations, 34% of the drivers in 2010 but only 21% in 2011 reported that their driving speed was above the reported (perceived) speed limit. In terms of speed camera influence, the majority of drivers (57%) indicated some influence on their own driving. Correspondingly, the majority of drivers (62%) predicted positive impact of speed cameras on safety. The main stated explanation for speed limit violations was time pressure, while the main stated explanation for respecting the speed limit was enforcement, rather than safety concerns. A wide variance in perceived speed limits suggests that drivers may not know what the speed limits really are. The last finding calls for prompt action, which may be a change in speed limit signing policy, and/or an introduction of digitally posted speed limits.