Motorists escape speed camera fines

Speed cameras are supported by most drivers

Only one in four drivers flashed by a speed camera has had to pay a fine, a major motoring report from the RAC claims.

It said most of the speeding drivers never receive a fine in the post, while a minority manage to escape conviction.

The survey found drivers believe that more than 70% of motorists speed on motorways, but only 42% are prepared to admit doing so themselves.

The RAC also said most drivers now accept traffic jams as a way of life, with many leaving extra time for delays during their journeys.

Sudden braking

In its annual motoring survey, the organisation suggests speed cameras work as a deterrent against speeding, whether drivers receive a fine or not.

Motoring facts

71% think most drivers speed on motorways

22% say motorway limits 'do not mean much'

78% back the use of speed cameras

69% not fined after speed camera flash

42% want mobile phones banned while driving

Two thirds said they slow down when confronted with a camera - although many said that might cause dangerous sudden braking.

A majority of the 1,800 people questioned supported the use of cameras and their proliferation across Britain.

Despite the public support for the cameras motoring experts suggested they would be far more effective if punishment was swift and certain.

Traffic jams

According to the RAC traffic jams are now seen as unavoidable, with congestion affecting eight out of ten drivers.

Despite the problem most drivers preferred to find a way around the congestion rather than a switch to alternative transport.

Some 24% said they start their journeys earlier, 22% take different routes, and 18% change journey times.

Only 29% were confident to set off on a journey without making any provision for congestion, compared to 41% in the 1997 annual survey.

Two in five blamed congestion on "too many cars on the road", while 18% blamed roadworks and one in ten said public transport was the cause.

Asked to consider which regular weekly car journey they could give up, 29% would not or could not think of one.