Key Scottish Safety Camera Programme Statistics, 2009

This bulletin presents key statistics relating to the activity of the Scottish Safety Camera Programme for the 10-year period from the start of 2000 to the end of 2009.

The two main objectives of the Scottish Safety Camera Programme are:

• To reduce the number of people killed or injured on Scotland’s roads through targeted camera enforcement at sites that meet criteria in force at the time they are established, and;

• To engender a culture of speed limit and red traffic signal compliance by providing a visible and effective deterrent 1.

The statistics contained within this bulletin describe:

• Accident and casualty numbers at safety camera sites, before and after camera enforcement.

• Speeds recorded at safety camera sites, before and after camera enforcement.
The number of people caught exceeding the speed limit, or running red-lights, at safety camera sites.

• Public perception of safety cameras.

Summary of findings:

• The number of people killed or seriously injured at safety camera sites is 56% lower after camera enforcement. The number of personal injury accidents at safety camera sites is 39% lower after enforcement.

• Average speeds, and the number of people exceeding the speed limit at safety camera sites are generally lower following a period of enforcement. Mobile cameras appear to be more effective on roads with higher speed limits, while fixed cameras may be more effective on roads with lower speed limits.

• The number of people issued with a fixed penalty after being caught exceeding the speed limit or running a red-light at a safety camera site has reduced by more than half over the past five years.

• 70% of respondents to the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2008-09 agree that safety cameras help discourage dangerous driving and help prevent accidents. 80% think that people should see the use of road safety cameras as a good thing.