New speed camera rules to improve transparency

1 January 2011

RoadSafe welcomes the news that local authorities and the police will have to publish full information about speed cameras. Clearer explanation of the effectiveness of camera-based enforcement will increase public understanding about speed management and improve compliance.

A working group, involving the police, local authority officers, DfT and Highways Agency is deciding what details to publish, and the final requirements will be confirmed by April 2011. The information could include data on accident rates at camera sites, vehicle speeds and the numbers of motorists prosecuted or offered training after offences recorded by cameras.

Revealing the plans on 29 December, road safety minister Mike Penning said: "The proposals I have announced today will help show what impact cameras are having on accident and casualty rates and also how the police are dealing with offenders.

"This is in line with our commitment to improve transparency of government data so that the public are able to make more informed judgements about the work of local and central government."

This announcement ties in with The Department for Communities and Local Government consultation on a new single government data list, which includes the proposal for local authorities to make speed camera inventories public.