Commercial drivers sticking to the limit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11 August 2010

An IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) survey, released today, found high-mileage drivers are the most supportive of speed cameras, with a 76 per cent approval rate. In comparison, the least supportive group was medium-mileage drivers, of whom only 34 per cent approved.

High-mileage drivers were also much less likely than average to believe revenue generation through fines was the main motive behind installing safety cameras, with 34 per cent feeling fines were not the motive compared to the survey average of only 26 per cent.

Simon Elstow, IAM Head of Training and Field Operations, said: “It is reassuring to discover that so many high-mileage, generally company drivers, are supportive of speed cameras. There is a common perception that everybody is against them, but the fact that commercial drivers are one of the most supportive groups is very comforting, as they are spending the most time out on the road.”

Conversely, high-mileage drivers were one of the groups least likely to believe the location of cameras is linked to accidents, with 62 per cent being doubtful of the relationship.

Mr Elstow continued, “It is interesting that commercial drivers still question the positioning of speed cameras. This suspicion surrounding their usage should be addressed through better communication of information from central government and local authorities, as to their motives.”

Overall, the survey of nearly 1,000 respondents* found that 44 per cent supported government proposals to cease central funding of camera operations, with 30 per cent unsure or expressing no opinion and only 26 per cent opposed.

The figures also show a big difference between the sexes, with 55 per cent of men supporting the switch-off, whereas only 33 per cent of women agreed. Women were 12 per cent more supportive of speed cameras than men overall.

Mr Elstow added: “Whether or not cameras remain in place across the country, we encourage everybody to respect the limits. Travelling at the correct speed protects you and other road users, allowing extra time to react to unexpected hazards that may arise.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The survey covers 11 years of data on motoring opinions on the most contentious issue on the roads today.

• *The survey comprised 992 respondents, 500 male and 492 female, roughly equally spread across age and socio economic groups and across all regions of England, Scotland and Wales.
• Londoners were the most strongly supportive of Government proposals to cease central funding of speed cameras [61 per cent], followed by East Midlands and the North West [59 per cent each].
• Safety cameras received a 70 per cent approval rating overall.
• Least likely to support the switch-off was the West Midlands [33 per cent] and the South East [31 per cent].
• Responding to the question: “Have you, or someone in your household been convicted of speeding on camera evidence in the past 3 years?” 22 per cent of all respondents answered “Yes”, 75 per cent answered “No” and 2 per cent didn’t know. There was almost no difference between the sexes.

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ENDS ALL

1. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 100,000 full members in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course, which is available to car, motorcycle and commercial licence holders. The IAM has grown to become the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy.  The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive.

2. A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18 month study, concluded that “advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement”, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude.

3. In January 2007, the IAM established the Policy and Research Division to undertake research, promote practical policies, act as an advocate for safer roads, safer drivers and safer vehicles and encourage responsible motoring through education and training.