This report presents the results of a detailed and rigorous cost-benefit analysis of traffic light and speed cameras in the UK. The study was commissioned by the Home Office, working in conjunction with the ACPO Traffic Committee. It quantified the whole range of relevant factors, and produced a comprehensive and clear account of the analysis process. Eight types of relevant cost and benefit were identified. The cost-benefit analysis was conducted by management consultant between November 1995 and March 1996. Data were collected from ten police force areas, chosen according to several pre-defined criteria. Detailed information was also collected from local authorities, magistrates courts, local branches of the Crown Prosecution Service, the Department of Transport (DOT), and the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency. It was found that the number of police forces using speed and traffic light cameras had increased steadily during recent years. Data were collected on the installation and running costs of these cameras and the costs of the related prosecutions. Accidents fell by 28% at speed camera sites and 18% at traffic light sites, and average speeds fell by 4.2mph per site. There was a significant net benefit for both speed and traffic light cameras. The report also presents some good practice guidelines.
Abstract