Camera Statistics

In all, seventy-seven more people died on Britain's roads last year but for motorcyclists the increase was higher still - 84 more deaths in 2003 than in 2002.

While figures released earlier this month by the government showed an overall 40 per cent reduction in fatal and seriously injured casualties at camera sites, the AA Motoring Trust is concerned that emphasis on cameras is encouraging authorities to pay less attention to other direct road safety measures - which could particularly benefit motorcyclists.

The AA's recent EuroRAP survey pinpointed several risky roads for riders and also highlighted simple measures, such as better visibility at junctions - where four out of ten motorcyclists are killed - and 'biker friendly' crash barriers, which could save lives.

"Confirmation that speed cameras work at dangerous sites is good news but although speed greatly increases the accident risk and the severity of the injuries it is not the only reason why accidents happen," says Andrew Howard, Head of Road Safety for The AA Motoring Trust.

Meanwhile Safe Speed (www.safespeed.org.uk ) has argued that the released figures, revealing higher road death tolls, is completely contrary to the government's view that speed cameras are making the roads safer.

Paul Smith, founder of the Safe Speed road safety campaign commented: "In the pre-camera decade, from 1984 to 1993, we saw road deaths fall by 32 per cent (from 5599 to 3814). In the speed camera decade from 1994 to 2003 we have seen road deaths fall by just 3.8 per cent (from 3,650 to 3,508).

"The focus on speed limits is dangerously simplistic. It sends completely the wrong messages. We must give all road users complete and accurate messages about the causes of road accidents, so that we can all guard against the right risks. Normal road users exceeding the speed limit is a real contributory factor in less than 2 per cent of accidents."