The news that fixed speed cameras could be assigned to the history books has been greeted with a sigh of relief from drivers who are tired of paying unfair costs for what is often viewed as a minimal offence.
The move by Oxfordshire’s Council to scrap fixed speed cameras comes in the wake of the Government’s slashing the funding to the Road Safety Grant by 40%, leaving councils with the tough decision of whether to keep the speed cameras operating and take money from schools and other projects to fund them, or scrap the cameras.
Since 2007, revenue from speed cameras has been given to the Treasury, therefore leaving no benefits to local authorities.
Now, Buckinghamshire Council has claimed they are ‘very likely’ to turn off the cameras while Bedfordshire, Suffolk and Derbyshire have launched reviews into whether their speed cameras should stay or go.
Northamptonshire has also made a move by switching off eight of their 42 cameras and Somerset is to stop usage on nine of its 26 cameras in the coming weeks.
Sean Joyce, Partner and Head of the Motoring team at Stephensons Solicitors LLP, said: “This move will be welcomed by drivers who feel that they have been subject to unfair fines and points due to speed cameras.
“Whilst safety campaigners may be concerned that the removal of speed cameras will result in more accidents on the road, the latest statistics don’t support this.
“My advice to anyone who is issued with a speeding fine or facing any kind of motoring prosecution is to speak to a solicitor at the outset. We have defended thousands of motoring prosecutions and can advise on the best approach.”
For more information, visit www.stephensons.co.uk/carryondriving or call 01942 777777.