Area amasses most in speeding fines

Almost a third of the £5 million fines generated from fixed-point speeding cameras in Scotland were raked in from motorists in Fife, Tayside and the Central belt.

Although the year-on-year total has decreased, £1.3m in speeding fines was handed over in automatic fines from speeders caught breaking the law in the area – the highest in Scotland.

Figures released under Freedom of Information legislation show the amount of money generated from speed cameras in Scotland has increased incrementally over the last three years, rising from £4.6m in 2014-15 to £5.09m in 2016-17.

The Scottish Conservatives’ transport spokesman, North East MSP Liam Kerr, said people were becoming suspicious speed cameras were turning into “cash-cows”.

He said: “Motorists completely accept speed cameras have a place on Scotland’s roads to ensure safe driving.

“But there is a widespread suspicion these are set up not to reduce speed, but to generate money from those edging over the various speed limits they police.”

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “Road safety is a priority for this government.

“Safety cameras are there to make our roads safer and are deployed where they have the greatest potential to reduce collisions – where there is evidence of collisions resulting in injuries and speeding.

“We strongly encourage road users to obey all road signage, including speed restrictions, at all times.

“Revenues collected from safety camera fines are returned to the Treasury.”

The Scottish Conservatives’ Liam Kerr said people were becoming suspicious speed cameras were evolving into “cashcows”.