Tories give red light to speed cameras
Tuesday, 6 October 2009 11:25 AM
By politics.co.uk staff
Expansion of speed cameras would be blocked under a Conservative government, Theresa Villiers has said.
The shadow transport secretary plans launched a charm offensive against Britain's motorists by pledging to block applications for new speed cameras.
"Labour's army of speed cameras is not the best way to make our roads safer," she told the Conservative party conference in Manchester.
"We will switch to alternative, better, ways to improve road safety."
Ms Villiers said the "high-water mark" has been reached on speed cameras. She also pledged to pass legislation ensuring motorways are not blocked for hours after accidents, free up data on the phasing of traffic lights and cracking down on rogue clampers.
The number of speed cameras in England and Wales has increased from around 2,000 in 2000 to around 6,000 at present.
"Speed cameras have an important role to play, but they are not the be all and end all," the Liberal Democrats' transport spokesman Norman Baker commented.
"Theresa Villiers seems to be saying road safety is being downgraded. The Tories are giving a nod and a wink to speeding motorists."
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