Increasing visibility of speed cameras might increase deaths and injuries on roads

doi:10.1136/bmj.324.7346.1153/a

BMJ 2002;324:1153 ( 11 May )

Letters

Increasing visibility of speed cameras might increase deaths and injuries on roads

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR $---$ In December 2001 the government announced changes to the colour and positioning of speed cameras.¹ But what willthe effect be on deaths and injuries caused by road traffic collisionsrelated to speed? And where is the evidence for this change inpolicy?

Interventions to control speed seek to reduce both the likelihood and the severity of a collision. The setting of appropriatespeed limits is a major strand of this preventive action, andspeed cameras are one of the main methods of enforcing these.The effect of speed cameras on road traffic collisions is welldocumented. A study in London showed that deaths fell threefold,and a trial in eight police force areas saw a reduction in deathsand injury after the introduction of cameras. ² ³

Speed cameras will now be painted yellow and must be visible from a distance of 60 metres (66 yards) on roads with a speedlimit . . . [Full text of this article]

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Hear hear - and why is the DTLR condoning speeding?: Harry Rutter
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Speed cameras are not the answer: Paul R Dishman
bmj.com, 11 May 2002 [Full text]
Increasing audibility of speed cameras: John M. Williams
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Speed = Revenue Gathering Cameras: Alan R Werninck
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Experts Opinion...?: Kenneth A Charman Charman
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