Speed cameras divide generations

Young drivers are more accepting of road safety cameras, according to a survey.

Results showed that drivers aged between 17-24 gave speed cameras the highest approval rating, while drivers over 45 gave the lowest in the survey by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

'Surveillance society'
Neil Greig, director of research and policy at the IAM, said: 'Young people don't tend to drive as frequently or as far as the average driver, and they have also grown up in a surveillance society, which could explain why they show less objection to safety cameras.

'However, older people are more likely to resent being monitored in this way.'

Women more supportive
Women drivers were also more supportive of safety cameras than men, although this acceptance of cameras has fluctuated over the years.

The study also found that women were consistently more supportive of safety cameras than men.

'On average, women commit fewer traffic offences than men, so they may see cameras as less of a threat', said Mr Greig.

High-mileage drivers were revealed as the least supportive of safety cameras.

Mr Greig said: 'Time is money for these drivers [driving over 20,000 miles a year], which means they are more likely to be in a rush, so they're more likely to get caught by safety cameras.'

Support has declined
Support for cameras has tumbled over the years, however, with a 92% approval rate recorded in 1999 falling to just 75% in 2009.

Mr Greig said: 'The firm belief remains that safety cameras are primarily for raising revenue and, until that link is broken, it will remain very difficult to convince all drivers that safety cameras really do deliver fewer deaths and serious injuries.'