Police Better than Cameras
Discussion
Patrols 'best at curbing speed'
By David Millward, Transport Correspondent
(Filed: 01/07/2005)
Traffic police are a more effective weapon than speed cameras at reducing casualties and improving drivers' behaviour, the Transport Research Laboratory said yesterday.
Its report was released as the latest Government figures showed that British road deaths were at their lowest since records began in 1926.
The report rekindled calls for the Government to reverse a growing police trend to cut patrol car numbers. According to the TRL, speed cameras, while effective, only get drivers to slow down within the immediate area. After about 500 yards, motorists resume driving as fast as they were before.
However the sight of a patrol car will slow a driver down for at least 1.5 miles and in some cases the deterrent will last up to five miles, the report said.
Unmarked police cars have far less impact, the TRL added.
While there are 6,000 more speed cameras than five years ago, the number of dedicated roadside police patrols is falling, with some forces expecting officers to carry out other duties as well.
Department of Transport figures yesterday showed that the number of road deaths fell by eight per cent last year to 3,221.
The overall number of road casualties - 280,480 killed or injured - fell by three per cent. Last year 166 children were killed on the roads, a fall of three per cent. Almost 4,000 were injured.
By David Millward, Transport Correspondent
(Filed: 01/07/2005)
Traffic police are a more effective weapon than speed cameras at reducing casualties and improving drivers' behaviour, the Transport Research Laboratory said yesterday.
Its report was released as the latest Government figures showed that British road deaths were at their lowest since records began in 1926.
The report rekindled calls for the Government to reverse a growing police trend to cut patrol car numbers. According to the TRL, speed cameras, while effective, only get drivers to slow down within the immediate area. After about 500 yards, motorists resume driving as fast as they were before.
However the sight of a patrol car will slow a driver down for at least 1.5 miles and in some cases the deterrent will last up to five miles, the report said.
Unmarked police cars have far less impact, the TRL added.
While there are 6,000 more speed cameras than five years ago, the number of dedicated roadside police patrols is falling, with some forces expecting officers to carry out other duties as well.
Department of Transport figures yesterday showed that the number of road deaths fell by eight per cent last year to 3,221.
The overall number of road casualties - 280,480 killed or injured - fell by three per cent. Last year 166 children were killed on the roads, a fall of three per cent. Almost 4,000 were injured.
It's great that these people are finally conceding to the obvious that police on the roads improve driver behaviour, but then they go and ruin it all by talking in terms of how long it slows drivers down for...
Doh!
Why is there no mention of drink driving, redlight jumping, road rage, tailgating, lunacy, all the other driving defects which actually cause accidents and which people do not do if they think there's a reasonable chance of being spotted by John Law? Like they used to.
Andy
Doh!
Why is there no mention of drink driving, redlight jumping, road rage, tailgating, lunacy, all the other driving defects which actually cause accidents and which people do not do if they think there's a reasonable chance of being spotted by John Law? Like they used to.
Andy
Interesting to note on the M1 average speeds are on the up as you are more likely to see a government minister than a trafpol car! Also, there is a feeling of 'lets make a bit of progress before the cameras arrive!'
Interestingly, seems to be less accidents with higher speeds but probably a coincidence.
And another thing - not having a go at truckers, I drive a small one myself at weekends - but HGVs observing the 40 limit on A roads is a nightmare. Silly drivers will go for risky overtakes out of frustation.
When was the 40 limit set? About 1940 with an old Bedford?
Interestingly, seems to be less accidents with higher speeds but probably a coincidence.
And another thing - not having a go at truckers, I drive a small one myself at weekends - but HGVs observing the 40 limit on A roads is a nightmare. Silly drivers will go for risky overtakes out of frustation.
When was the 40 limit set? About 1940 with an old Bedford?
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