Last updated 13:32, Monday, 17 November 2008

More than 70 per cent of Cumbrians agree that speed cameras are vital to saving lives.

Cutting accident rates: Speed cameras

A recent survey shows support for the use of safety cameras which have driven down the number of people killed or seriously injured in car accidents since launched five years ago.

Research by Cumbria Safety Cameras through independent analysts CN Research, shows 83 per cent of local residents agree or strong agree that cameras should be supported as a method of reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on the counties roads.

A total of 69 per cent of those questioned agreed or strongly agreed that fewer accidents are likely to happen on roads were cameras operate, with 74 per cent agreeing or strongly agreeing that the primary aim of cameras is to save lives.

A further 67 per cent of panellists agreed or strongly agreed that cameras mean that dangerous drivers are more likely to be caught.

And 69 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that cameras are meant to encourage drivers to keep to speed limits not punish them.

A spokesman for Cumbria Safety Cameras, said: “One of the reasons that public support for the cameras in this county remains high is that Cumbrian residents can see the positive effects that the cameras are having on road deaths and serious injuries.

“Since we started in 2003 there has been a demonstrable decline in those killed and seriously injured (KSI) in road traffic collisions in Cumbria and in 2007 we came in under the Government target for 2010 three years early.

He added: “Following on from that success, the county has further lowered the 2010 target figure and we are confident that we will come in under that this year.

“The use of cameras linked with other activities undertaken by the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership means that this county is one of the leading areas in the UK when it comes to KSI reduction.”

The survey also revealed that 46 per cent of those question said that their awareness of the dangers of bad driving had changed in the last 12 months.