Safety Camera Partnerships

The safety camera partnerships are the government organisations responsible for the operation of Speed Cameras throughout England and Wales; including both Fixed and Mobile cameras. There are 38 Safety Camera Partnerships covering the different geographical regions, formed as a joint venture between the Police, CPS, Court Service, Highways Agency and Local health authorities.

Many believe that this highly controversial scheme has taken the emphasis away from true road safety and shifted the spotlight solely to speed, ignoring the primary causes of Road Traffic Accidents. In 2005 66% of all accidents listed the main contributory factor as Driver/Ryder error, 7% were caused by people travelling too close the vehicle in front, and only 5% were caused by vehicles exceeding the statutory speed limit.

One of the unfortunate side effects of this shift in focus has been the progressive reduction in the number of Road Traffic Police. Unlike the Safety Camera Partnerships the Police, as well as catching speeding motorists, are able to deal with drunk drivers, dangerous drivers, un-roadworthy vehicles, and vehicles travelling without tax or insurance.

This uneven approach to road safety means that the generally law-abiding public are persecuted for minor speeding indiscretions, whilst drunk, dangerous drivers in untaxed, unregistered and uninsured vehicles go unchecked and uncaught.

The Camera Partnerships have been criticised by a number of the UK’s leading motoring organisations including the Institute of Advanced Motorists, who are quoted as saying that the scheme is having a detrimental effect on the relationship between the Police and Motorists.