Yellow Speed Cameras: Have They Made Any Difference

1
Yellow Speed Cameras Have They Made Any
Difference?
James Wilson, MSc Transport Planning, Institute
of Transport Studies, University of Leeds.
Supervisor Dr Paul Firmin
NATIONAL SAFTEY CAMERA PROGRAMME The aim of the
programme is casualty reduction and is a key
driver towards meeting the 2010 casualty
reduction targets (DfT, 2000). The programme also
aims to educate drivers about the consequence of
speeding and to improve compliance with speed
limits and traffic signals. Research has
demonstrated that reducing excessive and
inappropriate speeds on roads can reduce the
number of collisions and severity of
injuries. 1 mph reduction in average speed led
to 5 reduction in collisions (TRL, 1993)
PREVIOUS STUDY This project builds on a
previously successful project by ex ITS student
David Keenan (2001) investigating the sphere of
influence around speed camera locations in terms
of driver speeding and braking behaviour. His
research indicated that drivers tend to brake
sharply at the cameras, then speed up again
afterwards.
OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY To build on
previous research into the zone of influence of
speed camera systems on speed reduction,
speed-limit compliance and crash occurrence.

• METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY
• The project will use speed radar surveys to
  determine the traffic speed profile around
  specific camera locations, measuring the traffic
  speed in predefined distance zones before and
  after the camera and speed at the camera.

CONTEXT OF THE STUDY In 2001 Transport Minister
John Spellar announced that safety cameras will
in future have to be bright yellow to maximise
their visibility to motorists, and he set out
strict new guidelines for the signing of cameras
and camera sites.
Survey before camera scenario
3. Detailed analysis of accident causation and
location patterns for each cameras site
2. Statistical analysis of the speed survey is
required in order to quantify the degree of
confidence that can be placed in the results.
AIM OF THE STUDY This project will seek to
determine if any changes in driver behaviour have
occurred since the cameras themselves have become
more visible, or do the same safety issues and
concerns apply? The speed profile knowledge will
be further enhanced by detailed survey of traffic
speed at closer distance intervals to the camera
than previous studies. Also to choose camera
sites with differing characteristics in order to
assess the reaction of drivers under contrasting
situations. The ultimate purpose of the speed
camera is to reduce the frequency and severity of
road traffic accidents by reducing speed.
Therefore accident analysis for the periods
prior-to and post-camera installation will be
carried out to examine if safety cameras are
achieving their objectives for road safety
improvements.
Violation rates for 40mph speed limit on the A61
Scott Hall Road
4. Conclusions These will involve summary of key
results of the survey and implications of the
findings in terms of policy implications.

• These rules should
• Give ample warning to motorists where cameras are
  located.
• Deter excessive and inappropriate speeds on our
  roads.
• Reinforce the message that cameras are to save
  lives.
• They are not there as a means of raising money.
• Show our aim not to catch speeding motorists but
  reduce crashes at known accident hotspots.
  

Research already completed Personal contact with
Leeds City Council 2 initial pilot surveys site
selection and equipment test References DfT
(2000) Tomorrows Roads Safer For
Everyone. Finch D, Compfner P, Lockwood C and
Maycock G (1993) Speed, Speed Limits and
Accidents. TRL, Crowthorne. Keenan D (2001)
Measuring the effect of speed enforcement cameras
on traffic speed violations, ITS Dissertation.
John Spellar