Survey claims speed camera ‘can cut road deaths by 71%’

ROAD deaths can be cut by up to 71% by the use of speed cameras, an academic study on the impact of the devices worldwide has shown.

Researchers at the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol reviewed the findings of 14 separate studies and found wide variations in the data available.

The review drew together research from countries including Australia, Canada and New Zealand as well as British data, and is described as the world’s first systematic review on the effectiveness of speed cameras.

While all the research examined found that cameras appeared to reduce collisions, deaths and injuries, figures varied dramatically with the impact on death rates ranging from a reduction of 71% to just 17%.

Equally, collisions were cut by between 5% and 69% while injuries fell between 12% and 65%.

Author Paul Pilkington, public health lecturer at the University of the West of England, said: “Speed cameras have an effect but there are other factors such as traffic volumes and other traffic calming measures, it’s about being able to unpick the factors.”

While some of the studies examined the effects of fixed roadside cameras located at black spots, others looked at mobile mounted devices - equally, some were hidden while others were visible.

Yet despite the variety of studies involved, the researchers say they were unable to find an overall pattern on which method was most effective.

“We need to know exactly how cameras are best used,” Mr Pilkington said.

Rather than using straightforward comparisons between accident figures at sites before and after the installation of cameras, the researchers advocate “randomised controlled” trials with comparable spots selected.