The number of speed cameras in Essex has trebled in the last three years, Government figures show.

The figures were revealed on the request of Billericay MP John Baron, who is concerned about the use of cameras.

He said: "There is a growing concern that these cameras are being used to raise revenue rather than reduce accidents.

"There has been a massive increase in the number of cameras. A lot of money has been raised by them but I am trying to make sure that money is going where it should be, which is into road safety initiatives.

"We know most of it goes to the Essex Safety Camera Partnership to maintain the cameras but there is no sign of how much goes into road safety."

Between April 2002 and March 2003, 94,500 drivers in Essex were caught speeding and given £60 fines. This raised a total of £5,640,000.

Most of this money goes to the camera partnership and the rest goes to the Treasury.

The county now has 82 fixed speed cameras - 17 more than last year and 54 more than in 2000.

There are also six mobile cameras which visit around 300 locations in the county.

Mr Baron said: "There also needs to be a review of speed limits and where cameras are placed. I think there should be cameras outside schools, but that motorway speed limits should be raised."

A spokesman for the Essex Safety Camera Partnership said: "All the money we raise is used on the process of camera enforcement, including officers time, equipment, office space, magistrates court costs and dealing with requests for speed cameras.

"Before 2001 authorities had to meet most of the costs, so they were paid for by Essex residents. Now they are only paid for by speeding motorists and they have a choice."

Speedcamera locations this week

Published Friday January 9, 2004

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