Speed cameras miss half of speeders
2007-05-01

Less than half of motorists caught on camera speeding or jumping traffic lights are being prosecuted. Cameras in London photograph half a million drivers a year, but a third escape points on their license and fines due to incomplete or out-of-date records at the DVLA. About 350,000 motorists are contacted about their offence, but only 48 per cent end up with a punishment. An investigation by Radio 4 found tracking down drivers was a national problem, due to the number of out-of-date records held by the DVLA. Drivers must notify the DVLA of a change of address. Failure to do so, or giving a bogus address is an offence, punishable by a fine of up to £1,000. Many motorists, keen to get away with speeding, parking or congestion charge fines, register their vehicles at a false address. Former Metropolitan Police traffic boss, Kevin Delaney said speed cameras only punish motorists who generally follow the law. He said: "Any form of remote detection such as speed cameras relies on the information supplied by the public. "If that is not correct then remote detection immediately falls flat. You need traffic police to catch the problem drivers." Sarah Fatica, general manager of road safety charity Brake, said: "Speed cameras are proven to deter drivers from speeding, an important means of enforcing the law, and crucial in the ongoing bid to cut road deaths and injury. "If drivers think they won’t be punished if they are caught speeding, they may continue to speed and more lives will be put at risk. It is vital speeders are duly punished and all drivers are encouraged to drive responsibly, sticking to the lifesaving limits." An explosion in the number of vehicles registered abroad, technical faults and offences committed by emergency vehicles are also to blame.