Aid cap could cut motoring fines

The number of prosecution notices for traffic violations could be cut

There are fears some law-breaking motorists could escape prosecution after the budget of London's road safety unit was reduced by £2.8m.

The Metropolitan Police has been forced to cut 45 members of staff from London's Safety Camera Partnership.

The unit operates 900 speed and red light cameras in the capital with staff handing out 304,324 notices of intended prosecution last year.

This may fall to around 80,000 after the Transport for London (TfL) cut.

Notices of intent to prosecute are sent to motorists caught speeding, crossing red lights or stopping in yellow box junctions.

'Top Gear racetrack'

The unit also faces further uncertainty as officials at the Department for Transport (DfT) consider whether to provide any cash next year.

London Assembly member Jenny Jones said the huge drop in the use of cameras could leave the capital's roads like the "Top Gear racetrack".

She confronted London mayor Boris Johnson over the funding shortfall at a City Hall meeting.

This is a return to the bad old days when drivers could speed with impunity London Assembly member Jenny Jones

Speaking afterwards, Ms Jones said: "The mayor offered no evidence to support his assertion that cutting safety cameras won't risk lives.

"London's roads are not safe in his hands. This is a return to the bad old days when drivers could speed with impunity and the number of deaths and serious injuries on London's roads were horrendously high."

A TfL spokesman said: "With no DfT assurances on next year's funding for the safety camera partnership we are now seeking ways to ensure the partnership's work remains as efficient and effective as possible.

"The partnership plays a vital role in cutting death and injury on London's roads and we, as well as the Met, have written to the transport secretary to press the government to continue to support it."