Traffic law enforcement is key to the successful implementation of a Safe System approach. It influences driving behaviour through two processes: general deterrence and specific deterrence. General deterrence can be described as the impact of the threat of detection and penalty on the public at large. Specific deterrence can be seen as the impact of actual legal punishment on those who have been apprehended. enerally, reviews report substantial positive effects of speed enforcement on both speeding behaviour and the number of crashes. The sizes of the reported effects of speed enforcement vary considerably. These differences are most likely to do with the type, intensity and location of the enforcement activities as well as the situation before the enforcement started. Speed enforcement is most effective when it is unpredictable and difficult to avoid, when there is a mix of highly visible and less visible activities, and when it is continued over a long period of time. Furthermore, it is most effective to focus speed enforcement on roads, situations, and times where speeding is having most effect on road safety levels. Speed enforcement is not a stand-alone measure. To maximise its effect, it is best supported by other measures such as credible speed limits, publicity and efficient technology. It is also important that speed enforcement is embedded in a supportive framework of legislation and sanctions. (Author/publisher)
Abstract