§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the Government's estimate of the potential of new camera technology to reduce road accidents.
§ Mr. Charles WardleIt is too early to evaluate from road accident statistics the contribution to any reduction536W that may be made by the new camera technology. But inappropriate speed is a factor in about one third of all fatal road traffic accidents and 13 per cent. of injury accidents at junctions in urban areas are associated with jumping red traffic lights. The new camera technology can be expected to have a beneficial effect in both of these areas.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he expects all police authorities to be co-operating in speed camera technology;
(2) what steps he is taking to encourage the use of speed cameras on roads.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe decision to equip police forces with speed camera equipment rests with the chief officers and their police authorities. We will be monitoring that position and ensuring that the effectiveness of the equipment is known to chief officers.