Speed cameras in Beaconsfield area Triple number of accidents

Although speed cameras in South Bucks lowered the average speed of passing drivers they have not reduced the number of accidents.

The number of accidents have in fact INCREASED. The surprising outcome was shown by statistics published by Thames Valley Police with regard to the number of road accidents in Beaconsfield, Chalfont St Peter, Denham and Stoke Poges between 2009 and 2010. 

It is worrying that the number of accidents on both the A40 London Road in Beaconsfield and the A413 at Gravel Hill in Chalfont St Peter have TRIPLED. 

The Bucks Advertiser interviewed a number of local people and experts. Martin Lewis, who is contesting a speeding fine given in Denham, said: "These figures show that speed cameras don't have the desired effect. Yes, they bring vehicle speeds down because drivers are frightened about getting caught going slightly over the limit, but they don't stop accidents. Even a slight rise in accidents is too much, and it proves what many people have always said - that speed cameras don't work."

Road safety minister Mike Penning, who is the Minister for Road Safety stated, "Local residents have a right to expect that when their council spends money on speed cameras, they publish information to show whether those cameras are helping to reduce accidents or not."

The publishing of statistics gathered by local authorities is part of a Government drive towards greater transparency and accountablity. Thames Valley Police are one of the first authorities to make speed camera statistics available to the public 

Mary Eggleton who was fined for speeding in Chalfont St Peter in 2008 said: "The statistics certainly make for interesting reading. I don't think people will be surprised to see that the cameras aren't stopping accidents. All they do is slow people down for a very small section of the road, which is what these figures show. They don't have an effect on accident rates."

flickr image courtesy of AmandabhSlater