Speed camera vans called Cash Cows
Following claims they have been turned into "cash cows" a police force is to have its use of speed camera vans reviewed. North Yorkshire's new Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Philip Allott, said "big concerns" had been raised over the traps which were introduced across the county in 2011.
Campaigners have long argued the vans are stationed in areas to maximise revenue rather than areas where they act as a deterrent to speeding motorists to improve road safety.
"People say their village doesn't get a camera van, people say there are other solutions," said Mr Allott. He further added, "There will be a rethink in terms of how that is handled and that will be something that involves a consultation process."
The force operates a motorcycle and 12 vans with speed cameras. The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points added to the driver's licence. Mr Allott's predecessor, Julia Mulligan has strenuously defended accusations that mobile van cameras were used as "cash cows".
In February she said they generated more than £140,000 between 2018 and 2019, but stated most of the money was donated to a road safety partnership and a speed watch scheme. She said there was "clear evidence" that their use had slowed drivers and helped to save lives.
A police spokesman commenting on a 2019 operation to cut excessive speed on routes that see the most serious collisions, said the cameras were used "to make our communities safer for everyone".
He added: "In the past, our mobile safety camera operators have recorded excessive speeds outside schools, parks, playgrounds and other community areas, including 74mph in a 30mph area outside a school. The chance of a child surviving a collision at that speed are virtually nil."
North Yorkshire Police previously published an article in which they dismissed the notion that the speed cameras were "moneymaking" tools, and said some years they cost more to operate than they generate in fines.
Mr Allott said he had already agreed an outline plan on how to tackle the issue with the county's chief fire and police officers.
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