There will be no new speed cameras installed for several months, it was revealed today.
Applications for new camera sites are not being granted until an independent review of the overall effectiveness of cameras is concluded, the Department for Transport (DfT) said. Carried out by University College London, the review is not expected to be completed until later this year, the department added.
A department spokeswoman said today: "Every year, those in the camera partnership scheme submit applications to us for new camera sites. "This year we are waiting for this independent review to be completed before approving any new sites. The review has been delayed. There should have been a report out in June, but it's taking longer than expected."
She went on: "We are not blocking the use of new cameras. It's important that we get everything right in relation to the whole issue of cameras." Meanwhile, the Safe Speed road safety campaign group highlighted DfT figures which it said showed that the growth of speed cameras had been "strongly curtailed" in 2004.
Safe Speed said that while the number of fixed and mobile sites between 2002 and 2003 grew by 33%, the growth was under 1% for 2003 to 2004. Safe speed founder Paul Smith said: "Now we know the true reason why road deaths fell last year. The Government got cold feet with their dangerous speed camera programme, put on the brakes and saved some lives.
"Speed cameras are a dangerous distraction to drivers, police and local authorities alike. In almost every case there's something else that's more important to road safety than strict speed limit compliance." AA Motoring Trust director Bert Morris said: "We support the Government's decision to defer consideration of new camera sites pending the review.
"There continues to be quite high levels of public support for speed cameras, but that support is fragile. The review will provide a sounder basis for decision-making on speed camera use". Road safety group Brake said it was extremely concerned at the DfT decision not to grant any further speed camera applications until the review was completed, adding that the move "could cost lives".
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