THE use of speed cameras on our roads has long been a subject of debate. Are they not just little more than cash machines drumming up fines? How effective actually are they as deterrents for those motorists only too willing to break the speed limit?

Could the money spent on them be better used in terms of improving road safety? These are just some of the many questions asked by motorists and safety experts.

Both parties will no doubt have more to say on the subject in light of the latest figures about camera use, obtained under a Freedom of Information (FoI) request by the Press Association.

Overall, it appears that only about half of fixed speed cameras in the UK are actually switched on and catching offenders. In Scotland these figures translate as 29 per cent of cameras in actual functioning mode.

Data released by 36 of the 45 police forces in the UK found four have no fixed speed cameras at all and 13 have fewer than half actively catching speeding drivers.

Despite assurances from police forces that they regularly use mobile speed cameras and check those fixed cameras that are turned on, road safety organisations have understandably voiced concern about the findings.

Given that speeding is a key factor in thousands of crashes and more than 1,800 people died on British roads last year, it’s only right that the issue of inactive cameras is brought to light and acted upon.

Road safety charity Brake is justified in calling for all cameras to be switched on. Sadly, this seems an unlikely outcome given, as Automobile Association (AA) president Edmund King points out, a high number of inactive cameras is down to pressure on budgets.

Cuts in road safety grants, the cost of digital cameras, and the fact cash from fines now goes to the Treasury rather than being reinvested in more equipment are all contributing factors.

Average speed cameras are still being rolled out across Scotland, such as those recently introduced on the A90 between Dundee and Stonehaven. Some 30 cameras were installed on the route at a cost of £2 million.

There is evidence to indicates average speed cameras help reduce accidents and fatalities. Safety not money must always remain the priority. New systems like those on the A90 are welcome but any speed camera system is only effective if fully operational.

As Neil Greig, of charity IAM RoadSmart, says: “Drivers should be in no doubt that every yellow box they pass is active and police forces and safety camera partnerships should all be aiming for their cameras to be vigilant 100 per cent of the time.”

A half way house approach makes no sense and money would be far better invested on other road safety campaigns, schemes and training. Ultimately, much responsibility lies with motorists themselves in ensuring they drive within the speed limit. Any life lost through speeding or negligence is one life too many.