16 December 1999 Speed camera funding - eight pilot schemes announced Eight pilot schemes are to be established nationwide to make better use of the revenues raised through speed camera fines, Lord Whitty announced today. The pilot schemes, which come into effect from 1 April 2000, will allow the money raised from fines to go directly into the funding and maintenance of speed cameras with the ultimate aim of improving the safety of our roads. At present all fine revenue raised from speed camera fines goes to the Consolidated Fund of the Exchequer.
Research shows time and time again that excessive speed causes injuries and costs lives.
Speed enforcement cameras have a key part to play in reducing speeds at places with a history of accidents. But they need to be used effectively. Cameras can only deter those who are determined to break the speed limit if they are properly and regularly maintained. We hope that the new funding mechanism being piloted in these schemes will ultimately bring about a reduction in accidents at the sites where the cameras are deployed. Each pilot scheme will involve Local Authorities, Magistrates Courts , the police and in some cases the Highways Agency and Crown Prosecution Service.