HC Deb 19 November 2003 vol 413 cc1040-1W
Mr. Liddell-Grainger

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what standard of accuracy speed cameras work. [138947]

Caroline Flint

Until July 2003, the standard to which speed cameras were required to operate was a positive error of no more than 3mph up to 100mph, and 3 per cent. above 100mph. The negative error was not greater than 5mph or 10 per cent. above 50mph. From July 2003, in line with European standards, new speed cameras will be required to be accurate to 2mph up to 66mph and 3 per cent. above 66mph. This has not yet been implemented for existing cameras, but we consider that all cameras are in fact already accurate to this level.

Mr. Liddell-Grainger

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what help he gives to chief constables to publish speed messages. [139037]

Caroline Flint

Publicity on this issue is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. We recognise that speeding contributes to accidents and that encouraging drivers to slow down can help effect a reduction in the number of accidents. We have made clear in the National Policing Plan our conviction that the National Safety Camera Scheme is effective in reducing speed-related death and injury and our encouragement for all police forces to support it.