Do we think in this country that it is a good investment for government support speed cameras? At some time or other we have all passed through one and seen that knowing flash in the mirror. What follows on later is the familiar summons and inevitable penalty. But what do people really feel about these object that have become normality over the last 15 years? The views of motorists are especially relevant at the moment with the government planning to reduce funding.

The large majority of motorist (44%) were supportive of the plans, with 30% undecided and 26% against the plans according to a study by the Institute of Advanced Motorist.

It was, however, found that a large majority of drivers approved of the cameras. This may be related to a driver’s automatic response to slow down that is triggered when approaching a camera. It is interesting to note that many drivers increase their speeds once again when passed the cameras.

Customers leasing vans in the UK could be among motorists who are in support of the government’s decision to reduce safety camera funding. It is not clear why this is the case, as figures do not indicate van drivers as the sector most penalized by the introduction of cameras.

According to the IAM, the approval rating was close to 70% from those participating in the survey.

“Rather than being purely hypocritical, it suggests drivers are seeing the lifesaving effects of cameras, but resent being caught out by them,” Kevin Delaney, IAM head of road safety, explains.

“The 11-year study shows that support has declined slightly over time, but that cameras have maintained a good level of approval overall among the motoring public.”

Elsewhere, figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that the number of new van registrations continued to rise in July compared to the previous month.