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Politicians Probe 'Money-Making' Speed Cameras

SENIOR politicians have admitted for the first time that they believe many speed cameras in the West Midlands are there purely to raise cash.

The surprising claim was made as a team of consultants was appointed to assess every single speed camera site in the West Midlands region.

Any speed cameras which are proven to be there for financial, rather than safety reasons - will be ripped out. This has already happened to three cameras in the region, one in Solihull and two in Coventry.

Consultants Mott McDonald will visit all 300 camera sites and will analyse accident data after being commissioned by the West Midlands planning and transportation sub committee.  This committee contains senior councillors from across local authorities in the West Midlands.

Chairman Les Kyles said: "Members of the committee are very concerned, together with members of the public that the cameras are there to gather cash and nothing else."

"What we have to do is make sure there are safety reasons and if there are not then they will be taken away. Quite simply speed cameras are there to stop accidents. We have to make sure that is the only reason they are there."

But road safety campaigners say accident rates have dropped drastically since the widespread introduction of cameras.

In the last 12 months alone, 55,000 West Midland motorists paid fines totalling £3.29 million, compared to 46,000 drivers paying out £2.76 million the previous year. The West Midlands Casualty Reduction Partnership claims there has been a 39 per cent reduction in casualties at areas covered by cameras.

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