Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership

FAQs

Fines

Q. Isn’t this just a way of generating money for the Police?
A. No. First of all, this isn’t a Police initiative but a multi-agency approach involving the Highway Authorities, the Courts and the Crown Prosecution Service. All of the partners are allowed to use some of the fine income to meet the costs of camera enforcement, processing, equipment, education and publicity. The amounts are strictly controlled and fine income in excess of the operating costs goes to the Treasury.

Q. Surely it’s just a stealth tax?
A. Only people who have been identified breaking the law will pay speeding fines. Speed cameras are paid for out of these fines, not by the taxpayer. Law abiding motorists do not pay for the detection of speeders. No tax can be levied for breaking the law. 2003/04 figures show that the Treasury receives more money in income tax in 95 minutes, than from speed cameras in a whole year.

Q. Why not spend the fines on a range of road safety measures?
A. The strict rules of the system mean that fines cannot be used for anything other than speed enforcement. This ensures that there is no incentive for cameras to be used for anything other than improving road safety. After the cameras have been paid for, the surplus goes to the Treasury.

Created: 2005-10-18 09:43:10 | Last Updated: 2005-10-25 08:47:12