Most drivers 'believe speed cameras about money'
Motorists believe speed cameras are good for road safety but most think they are about making money rather than saving lives, the Automobile Association (AA) said today.
As the gardaí prepare to roll out new speed cameras operated by a private company across the country, an AA survey found nearly 64% of people believed it was a revenue-raising venture.
Conor Faughnan, AA director of policy, said the better a speed camera does its job, the less money it raises.
“These proposed cameras might well save lives, but as it stands they have a serious credibility gap to bridge,” he said.
“Irish motorists have been and continue to be very supportive of positive road safety developments, like random breath tests or lowering the drink drive limit.
“They will support speed cameras as well but only if they are treated fairly.”
Some 9,400 drivers responded to the AA survey, carried out in the last week of September and first week of October.
Key findings include:
:: 68% said they supported speed cameras.
:: 25% said they trusted authorities to put the cameras in the right place.
:: 64% said they believe cameras are mostly about raising money.
The AA said it would back the new speed camera roll-outs on condition the company is not paid on the basis of the number of fines collected.
It also wants cameras placed in accident black spots and for the areas covered to be made public.
