Speed cameras and revenue

[sigma]

Watching Police Camera Action on ITV 4 last night a representative of East Sussex Road Safety Committee discussing speeding motorists stated "If we wanted to raise money we would have installed cameras"
And here was I thinking speed cameras were to dissuade motorists from speeding

[ummmm]

I can't see an issue with raising money using cameras. Raise as much as possible....It's only people breaking the law that are being fined. Tough on them.

[RATTER15]

I agree ummmm, is it not a good thing that we can raise revenue from the guilty and those causing death and accidents on our roads!

They have had plenty of money out of me over the years as well, yes guilty as charged, I pay the fine and accept the points. Why not?

[Old_Geezer]

So the answer is of course to create as many laws as the people disagree with as possible and watch them either capitulate for that great, "I control you" feeling, or rub hands in glee as the money rolls in.

[ummmm]

No Geezer...but the speeding rule has been in place for much longer than speed cameras. We're not suggesting making new laws...just sticking to the current ones.

[jake-the-peg]

Really?

So why are all these councils now switching off cameras to save money?

[Hymie]

Speed camera’s are basically a revenue earner for whoever operates the system.

My understanding of how this revenue generator works is that a partnership is set up between the camera operator, the local police and the local council. Each shares in the spoils from this cosy arrangement.

For some reason that is not clear to me, local councils were shafted, in that no proceeds from the cameras were to be paid to them, but they were still expected to stump up the cash for their installation/operation – based on them being part of the council’s road safety operation/responsibilities.

Rather like being a member of a gang robbing a bank – but receiving none of the proceeds of the heist – local councils decided for some reason that speed cameras were no longer an appropriate tool for road safety.

Should someone decide to give the local councils back their cut, they will once again be as enthusiastic as the local police with regards speed cameras.