Top speed Cop warns that speed camera switch off will lead to more fatalities

THE most senior traffic policeman in Britain has warned that cutting funding for speed cameras will put lives at risk. Chief constable Mick Giannasi has warned ministers that there will be a rise in fatal road accidents as struggling councils cannot afford to operate the cameras, according to reports today.

The government has ended central funding for fixed speed cameras and last week, Oxfordshire county council turn off all 72 of its cameras. Several other counties are believe to be considering to follow suit.

Giannasi’s comments that the cuts had : “..caused unintended consequences for road safety,” have been reported by The Times Newspaper.

Mick Giannasi heads the roads portfolio for the Association of Chief Police Officers.

The Department of Transport defended its position on speed cameras, insisting: “It is right that local councils decide how best to tackle specific problems in their areas.”

WHAT’S YOUR view on the speed camera switch off in our county?