Roadside cameras save lives and money in Tayside that is the message from the group that runs the region’s fixed and mobile cameras in the wake of new Scotland-wide accident figures.
The figures show the number killed or injured on the roads in the past three years was 44% lower than the number recorded during a baseline period from 1997 to 1999.
However, the casualty numbers at camera sites fell even more, down by 63%, the chief statistician’s bulletin said. That equated to 500 fewer personal injury accidents, including over 170 fewer fatal or serious accidents at safety camera sites.
The average cost of a serious accident is reckoned to be over £200,000, and a fatality costs far more.
Anneline Wilson, spokeswoman for the Tayside Safety Camera Partnership said, “This statistical bulletin shows that our partnership approach of government, police and roads authorities is delivering the benefits of safety cameras by helping to save lives and by reducing the financial impact of road collisions on the Scottish economy.
“As there is no link between the funding of cameras and the number of offenders detected, the bulletin demonstrates clearly that the aim is to reduce the number of motorists willing to risk the safety of others.
“Safety cameras are funded through a grant from the Scottish Government in the interests of making communities stronger and safer by deterring speeding and red light running.”
Kathleen Braidwood, road safety officer with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said, “With an average of 10 fewer accidents involving injuries every week at safety camera sites, it is clear that cameras are helping to reduce the misery caused by crashes across Scotland.”
The Tayside partnership’s stated aims are to reduce the number killed or injured in road accidents and encourage drivers to drive safely and appropriately within the speed limit. Its members comprise Tayside Police, Transport Scotland and Angus, Dundee City and Perth and Kinross councils.
Fife Safety Camera Partnership runs a similar scheme there, with the support of a range of agencies.
The partnerships have fixed cameras on major roads and also use mobile cameras to target other spots with a history of accidents or speeding.
The number of speeding and red-light offences caught on camera has reduced annually in Scotland for six years.