I will repeat that I do not disagree with speed cameras because I want to speed. I was in favour of the introduction of speed cameras. It seemed reasonable to assume that they would reduce speeding which would reduce accidents which would reduce injuries and deaths.
I expected a considerable reduction in accidents and a dramatic rise in speeding fines. I then expected a reduction of speeding fines as people got used to it. They would either realise and except that it was a good thing, or stop offending to avoid punishment. As happened after the introduction of the breathalyser.
Obviously researching evidence is difficult in this day and age because of the huge amounts of opinion beliefs propaganda etc. dressed up as evidence. But I eventually concluded that since the introduction:-
The accident rate has fluctuated slightly with no discernible difference to its previous fluctuations.
The death rate did the same at first and then has reduced (as you say).
Speeding fines rose dramatically and have continued to rise (probably proportional to the increase in cameras).
There is dramatic reduction in certain specific areas where cameras have been used (as you say)
If you have reliable evidence to show any of this to be wrong please point me in that direction as I couldn't find any.
If this is accurate then speed cameras have not fulfilled their purpose. They have not reduced speeding, or changed peoples attitude to speeding, as shown by the consistent number of fines. The accident and death rate is not significant enough to show that speed cameras are responsible for it. Not �Fairy dust�, but perhaps the increase in air bags and other car safety devises introduced in the same period, could explain the decrease in deaths. The fact that there is huge reductions in many areas, and yet overall there isn't, is worrying. This implies that we have made the situation worse outside these areas.
Overall I don't think the evidence is strong enough to show the positives out way the negatives. I think fining millions of people millions of pounds, and not being able to show strong reasons why, is unfair and wrong.
However I must admit my reasoning is based on the evidence (that I could find) of fixed speed cameras. If as you say the newer average cameras do dramatically reduce accidents then I would likely be in favour of them. But only if the evidence shows this, and no other anomalies occur.
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