Drivers back 'fairer' average speed cameras

A new survey suggests that average speed cameras have widespread support among drivers, with a majority wanting them used to enforce the 70mph limit on motorways.

The RAC said its Report on Motoring had found that 54% of more respondents would like to see cameras that measure speeds between cameras rather than at a single location used in general motorway conditions, rather than just at roadworks. A quarter (26%) disagreed, with 18% unsure.

In terms of what form of speed enforcement drivers think is best for ensuring speed limit compliance on roads with a limit of 60mph and 70mph, a majority (58%) also said they favoured average speed cameras.

Nearly a fifth (18%) said fixed position cameras are most effective while 12% preferred mobile speed traps.

More than half of drivers (56%) admitted to breaking the speed limit on motorways with a third (34%) of those confessing to having driven at over 80mph.

While compliance on roads with lower speed limits is better, four in 10 (39%) drivers admitted to frequently disobeying 20mph limits, and 36% on 30mph urban roads. A third (33%) break the speed limit on 60mph country roads, which are statistically some of the most dangerous roads.

RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: ‘With so many motorists admitting to driving much faster than they should on the motorway, it was interesting to see such strong support for average speed cameras to be used more widely to enforce the 70-mph limit as opposed to just in roadworks, as is currently the case.

‘We believe drivers see these cameras as being very effective at reducing speeds over longer distances and controlling traffic flow as well as being fairer than fixed position ones as they aren’t instantly punished for a momentary transgression.’