Star comment: Cameras will help to save lives
The news that average speed cameras could be making a return to the Black Country’s roads will undoubtedly be met with a mixed response.
On one hand there will be an almighty groan from motorists, many of whom will argue that the cameras are simply a cash cow for enforcement agencies.
But ask for the opinion of people who live on roads that are blighted by speeding cars, and you are likely to hear a very different view.
Speed cameras polarise opinion – and not just among members of the public.
Police and local authorities also appear to be unable to make their minds up about their usefulness.
While much is often made about the huge sums of money in fines the cameras bring in, it is also worth remembering that they cost a fortune to operate.
The authorities also have to factor in the cost of administering and collecting fines.
One indisputable fact is that in the vast majority of places where average speed cameras are stationed, drivers reduce their speed.
There is a strong argument that they are far more effective in combatting speeding than fixed cameras.
The purpose of any camera system on our roads should be to reduce speed, and save lives as a result.
They must never been used as a way of making money.
One of the key problems with fixed cameras was that they gained a reputation as being more focused on areas where drivers could be easily snared, rather than traffic danger spots.
West Midlands Police has offered to assist with the financial operation of any new average speed cameras.
The force will part fund the scheme in the Black Country by paying all administration costs.
It will be interesting to see how many of our local authorities take up the offer. The vast majority of motorists drive safely and will never fall foul of speed cameras. But there need to be more enforcement options available to deal with those that travel at high speeds.
With police officer numbers dwindling, fewer and fewer of them are able to deal with traffic offences such as speeding. Anything that makes the lives of road users safer should be welcomed with open arms.
