Speed camera income hits 3-year peak

19 Jun 2017

Speed cameras across Scotland raked in more than £5 million last year, the highest since 2014.

The devices across the country – which issue motorists who break the speed limit with automatic fines – resulted in £5,095,100 being paid to courts.

That’s £200,000 more than the previous year, and compares to just £4.6 million two years ago.

The statistics were revealed following a Freedom of Information request by the Scottish Conservatives.
Cameras in Tayside, Central and Fife produced the most money – raking in £1.3 million – followed by Grampian and the Highlands and Islands, which generated £1.2 million.

Across Scotland there are more than 200 fixed speed cameras.

Today’s statistics show they bring in £14,000 a day.

The Scottish Conservatives said while speed cameras had a role to play in improving safety, it was important they weren’t merely seen as cash cows.

Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Liam Kerr said:

“Motorists completely accept speed cameras have a place on Scotland’s roads to ensure safe driving.

“But there is a widespread suspicion that these are set up not to reduce speed, but to generate money from those edging over the various speed limits they police.

“The fact that an ever-increasing amount of money is being generated from motorists for whom driving is becoming ever more expensive, will only reinforce this view that they are first and foremost simply being used as revenue-generators.

“Speed cameras should be situated where their presence has a demonstrable positive impact on road safety and accident prevention.

“Too many seem to be placed in areas such as the first clear straight on an A-road, ensuring that those carrying out an appropriate, safety conscious, overtaking manoeuvre but exceeding the speed limit are caught out.”

To see the table revealing speed camera income, visit:
http://www.scottishconservatives.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Speedcams.pdf