§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the effect of introducing camera enforcement of road traffic regulations in London.
§ Mr. NorrisCameras have been used to record red light violations since 1989, and have reduced red light violations by 45 per cent. and violation-related accidents by 60 per cent.
The "speed" cameras introduced on west London trunk roads in October 1992 show considerable benefit from reduced numbers of road accidents and casualties. Traffic congestion and delay following accidents have also been reduced. I expect to release full-year accident figures in the near future.
There is no direct effect on road traffic regulations. The Road Traffic Act 1991 permitted the use of photographic evidence in courts. These regulations came into effect in July 1992.