Are speed cameras a stealth tax?

There is divided opinion concerning the use of speed cameras as a way of reducing motoring offences.

While some people think they serve as a necessary and effective deterrent for those who would otherwise commit driving offences involving travelling too fast, others are suspicious of the devices.

One of those who falls into the latter category is Nigel Burton, who has been motoring editor of the Northern Echo for two decades.

According to the journalist, more than 1.8 million tickets are issued as a result of speed cameras per annum and the number of such machines in action has grown each year since the 1991 Road Traffic Act allowed their use to prosecute road users.

He commented: "The proliferation in speed cameras on our roads had less to do with safety than an insidious stealth tax that allowed the real danger drivers."

Mr Burton added: "Motorists were conned into accepting speed cameras. Initially, the government said it would only be used at accident black spots and traffic lights, so we acquiesced despite our fears.

"But the rules were soon relaxed when officials realised how much a camera on a quiet stretch of road could rake in."

In contrast to his views, however, were those expressed by Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of independent national road safety charity Brake.

She said such cameras are very effective when it comes to reducing motoring offences concerning speeding.

The number of tragic, needless and expensive road deaths and injuries around Britain has been reduced as a result of their use, she went on to claim.

As a result of the government's efforts to reduce the size of the fiscal deficit that rose as a result of the credit crunch, efforts to cut the number of driving offences involving speeding are set to change tack.

Speed cameras will receive less funding, meaning local authorities will have to come up with different ways to encourage responsible motoring.

Are speed cameras a stealth tax?

By: Arthor Greenwald

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