Nearly two thirds of drivers (62%) support the use of mobile speed cameras, according to a survey by Brake, the national road safety charity and Green Flag Motoring Assistance.

The survey shows that there is solid support for the cameras designed to catch drivers who try to avoid detection by fixed cameras.

Last month the Government announced plans to change the law making it illegal to use in-car devices that detect mobile speed cameras.

The plans could be announced as early as autumn 2004 when the Government will introduce a Road Safety Bill in the Queen's Speech.

Mary Williams OBE, chief executive of Brake, says: "Today's survey shows there is huge support for mobile speed cameras as an enforcement tool to catch dangerous drivers who are prepared to break the law and risk lives.

“Local communities live in fear of speeding drivers but cannot get a fixed speed camera until four people have been killed or seriously injured. Mobile cameras are an effective way of reducing speed before it is too late."

A report on the survey’s findings is being forwarded to the Government with recommendations for action by the Department for Transport and the Home Office to tackle speeding drivers.

  • Make more funding available for more high-profile, peak-time, year-round advertising on television and radio about the risks of speeding. Advertising needs to be targeted and it needs to be educational. This should include specific campaigns on the dangers of not keeping a safe distance on motorways and other roads and speed on rural roads

  • Encourage vehicle manufacturers to introduce digital speedometers so that drivers are always aware of their exact speed

  • Make all driving bans a minimum period (e.g. 6-12 months) to ensure they are an effective enforcement measure

  • Remove restrictions on speed camera locations that currently require four people to have been killed or seriously injured at that location before a camera can be installed. This restriction runs counter to the police and local authority duty of care to take all reasonable action to protect citizens from harm caused by criminal behaviour

    The statistics in this report are based on a survey of nearly 1,000 drivers and motorbike riders, carried out by Brake's volunteers, from February to April 2004.