§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of speed cameras in reducing speed. [15650]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonSpeed cameras are particularly good at reducing vehicle speeds in some circumstances. Twenty one cameras placed on roads in West London have shown a 70 per cent. reduction in fatal accidents between 1992 and 1995. A Home Office study of cameras in 10 police forces undertaken between November 1995 and March 1996 showed that accidents reduced by 28 per cent. and average speeds by 4 mph at speed camera sites. However, the effects of cameras are localised, so we recommend that they are used at sites with a history of speed related accidents where they can successfully reduce the likelihood of further incidents.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list his Department's guidelines relating to the installing of speed cameras in villages; what Government funding is available for such cameras; what research his Department has evaluated into the impact of speed cameras on the rate of accidents in villages; and what estimate he has made of the relative costs of installing cameras on A and B roads. [15962]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonGuidance on the deployment of speed enforcement cameras was issued by the Department in Circular Roads 1/92. Specific central funding is not130W usually made available for cameras. Installation costs are typically met by Highway authorities; and operational costs by the police. A Home Office study of cameras in 10 police forces undertaken between November 1995 and March 1996 showed a 28 per cent. drop in accidents and a 4 mph reduction in speed at camera sites. The study showed that the average fixed cost per site for a speed camera was £12,500 and average recurrent costs were around £8,500 per annum. The report did not specify camera site locations. I am unable to give average costs for villages and other areas.