Speed Cameras – The Views of High Mileage Drivers

This paper concludes that high-mileage drivers are more likely than those who drive fewer miles to think speed cameras have ‘little or no influence’ in reducing the numbers of casualties.

The paper found 28% of high-mileage drivers have a ‘negative view of cameras’ – 10% more than other drivers.

The paper is based on a survey of 1,000 high, medium and low-mileage drivers in which one in six low mileage drivers were ‘sceptical of the positive influence of speed cameras’, compared to one in four high-mileage drivers. It also found that more than half of the high mileage drivers surveyed felt cameras are ‘little more than a money making tool’ – more than the other categories.

The IAM says that with more than 6,000 speed cameras in operation across the UK, the “time was right to ask if there was any greater acceptance of them among drivers who spend the greatest amount of time on the roads”.

27% of high-mileage drivers surveyed believe cameras have not assisted in reducing road casualties, compared to 20% of medium-mileage drivers and 16% of low-mileage drivers.

When asked how acceptable is it for authorities to use cameras to identify vehicles involved in speeding offences, 28% of high mileage drivers said unacceptable, compared to 18% of medium-mileage drivers and 17% of low-mileage drivers.