For the first time, the government is to make previously unpublished data about speed cameras public.
Members of the public will be able to access information dating back to 1990 on the fines raised by every speed camera in England, from next month. The data will also include accident and casualty figures from every site.
The government hopes that by releasing the information motorists will be more likely to see speed cameras as safety measures and not money-making devices. Speed cameras have been the focus of motorists’ ire over recent years as they have increasingly been seen as revenue generating.
“This will expose where cameras are and are not doing their job. It is all about empowerment - we can only do what we do with road safety if people believe it isn't just about raising money but is about saving lives,” said roads minister Mike Penning.
The release of the data is a further attempt by the government to show that it is increasing its transparency. Councils have been forced to reveal casualty and accident numbers for each site before and after installation and police will have to show the amounts raised from fines.