Cameras save lives

Speed cameras are on our roads for one very simple reason - to slow vehicles down and therefore save lives, but speeding is a guaranteed way for a driver to lose money and demerit points.

Since their introduction, research has shown that speed cameras are highly effective in slowing motorists down and reducing speed related crashes. They are placed in or around areas in accordance with the WA Police Force deployment criteria. The continuing presence of speed cameras is an ongoing reminder for motorists to slow down.

In fact a recent long term study commissioned by the Royal Automobile Club Foundation for Motoring Ltd in the UK entitled Speed Camera Effectiveness ( 1.2mb), a review of evidence by Richard Allsop, indicates how very effective fixed and mobile cameras can be. The RAC Foundation for Motoring Ltd is a charity which explores the economic, mobility, safety and environmental issues relating to roads and responsible road users. Independent and authoritative research, carried out for the public benefit, is central to the Foundation’s activities.

A research report by the Curtin-Monash Accident Research Centre on the WA Police Force Red-light speed cameras, completed in May 2012, has revealed that for the sites reviewed the new cameras have reduced:

• all reported crashes by 19%
• rear-end crashes by 20%
• right angle/right turn through crashes by 41%
• serious injury crashes by 72%*

*Serious injury crashes are fatality or hospitalisation crashes.

The benefits to the community in injuries and lives saved are substantial along with the estimated net cost savings to the community of $2.295 million. Although these results are preliminary figures for the period 7 July 2010 and 20 December 2011, they are consistent with research in other states. View the complete Curtin-Monash Accident Research Centre report ( 638kb).

Who gets the revenue?

The Western Australia Police does not want to fine you, they simply want you to slow down. All of the money collected from speed and red-light camera infringements goes into the Road Trauma Trust Fund and is spent on various road safety programs such as community education and improving road safety coordination.

Speeding comes at a high price but the financial costs are minimal compared to the death and serious injury speeding can cause. It has been estimated speed related crashes cost the WA community up to $1.16 billion each year in hospital admissions, rehabilitation costs, insurance costs and other factors.

It also costs you more to speed - extra fuel and extra wear and tear on tyres.

There is no such thing as safe speeding.