The Conservative Party has announced sweeping plans for reform of the speed camera programme should it get into power, promising to 'take the heat off drivers'.

Theresa May, shadow transport and environment secretary, said: 'The public has lost faith in the way speed limits are being enforced on our roads. People believe there is a war on the motorist and that speed cameras are being used to raise money, not to promote safety.

'We want to restore people's confidence in speed limits and how they are policed. This means intelligent policing, honest information about speed cameras, and an emphasis on safe driving, not income generation.

'By choosing to put up more and more speed cameras, the Government is ignoring other more effective ways of changing driver behaviour.

'The Government must realise that changing driver behaviour lies at the heart of improving road safety.'

The Conservatives intend to publish the criteria for the locating each camera on a website, as well as how much revenue each camera generates in a bid to make the programme more transparent and restore public confidence.

Limits around schools would be reduced to 20mph in high-risk periods, and there would be more electronic signage of limits.

May also said she would abolish Safety Camera Partnerships, calling them an 'unnecessary tier of bureaucracy'.

The tory 10-point plan

  • Recognition that cameras are not enough - the policy would promote intelligent driving by improving road design, and the effectiveness of alternatives to penalty-generating cameras.
  • An independent audit of the estimated 6,000 speed cameras in Britain, in order to establish safety needs and positioning of existing fixed speed cameras.
  • Speed limits to be changed: limits near schools, parks etc to be reduced, perhaps at certain times of day only with flashing warning signs (e.g. 20 mph outside all schools).
  • Move to variable penalty points. Points would range from one point to six points. Standard fine to remain. Bans for excessive speeds would remain.
  • Extend driver education programmes for those caught speeding.
  • Revenue generated from cameras to be spent on road safety, including alternatives to cameras, such as flashing electronic displays.
  • More active traffic policing - intelligent policing and intelligent drivers.
  • Abolish camera partnerships as an unnecessary tier of bureaucracy. Police to be responsible for enforcement.
  • Every speed camera to have the speed limit sign clearly displayed on the camera, as well as on each speed camera warning sign.
  • Change planning laws which prohibit the use of 30mph repeater signs, to allow clearer indication of speed limits on all roads.

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