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Drivers 'speed less' in Scotland Drivers 'speed less' in Scotland
(about 7 hours later)
Motorists in Scotland appear to be getting the message on speeding, according to figures compiled by the publishers of the Philips Road Atlas.Motorists in Scotland appear to be getting the message on speeding, according to figures compiled by the publishers of the Philips Road Atlas.
Research found across Scotland the number of £60 fixed penalty notices issued to drivers caught by speed cameras had fallen by 21%.Research found across Scotland the number of £60 fixed penalty notices issued to drivers caught by speed cameras had fallen by 21%.
The exception was Dumfries and Galloway, which saw the highest amount issued in the UK.The exception was Dumfries and Galloway, which saw the highest amount issued in the UK.
The 21% reduction in fines compared with a 3% fall in England and Wales.The 21% reduction in fines compared with a 3% fall in England and Wales.
The figures indicate the majority of regions in Scotland recorded reduced amounts raised by the notices in 2005/2006.The figures indicate the majority of regions in Scotland recorded reduced amounts raised by the notices in 2005/2006.
'Cash cow' Dumfries and Galloway, the only exception, saw an equivalent of £6.55 raised for every man, woman and child in the area. This compared with an average of £1.42 per capita in other parts of Scotland.
Dumfries and Galloway, the only exception, saw an equivalent of £6.55 raised for every man, woman and child in the area. The fines brought in nearly £1m in the region.
This compared with an average of £1.42 per capita in other parts of Scotland.
Critics have argued that drivers in Dumfries and Galloway are being targeted and branded the speeding fines a "cash cow".Critics have argued that drivers in Dumfries and Galloway are being targeted and branded the speeding fines a "cash cow".
'Greater awareness'
Stephen Mesquita, who compiled the figures, told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme: "In the case of Dumfries and Galloway, it has a very low population and some very busy roads with people whizzing through so I think it's a bit of an anomaly."
He attributed the downwards trend in Scotland to a "more realistic attitude" towards how the speed camera operation was run.
"I think there is a greater awareness probably among Scottish police forces that this is an issue that motorists find is very very big on their agendas," he added.
Operators of the Speed Camera partnerships said that a recent survey identified the M74 motorway at Gretna as the "fastest stretch of road in Britain".Operators of the Speed Camera partnerships said that a recent survey identified the M74 motorway at Gretna as the "fastest stretch of road in Britain".
They said that on roads with average speeds of 72mph, the use of speed cameras and fines were justifiable.They said that on roads with average speeds of 72mph, the use of speed cameras and fines were justifiable.