Speed cameras main purpose? To raise more revenue [priv]

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

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A new report (see article below) calculates that speed
cameras will generate an extra $680 million for UK insurance
companies this year. Companies will assess an average $332
extra per year for a motorist who receives a single camera
ticket. Two tickets will cost an average of $870 more and a
third means an extra $2,405.

This is concrete evidence of the direct financial incentive
that so-called "safety advocates" have to promote red light
and speed camera technologies. The Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety (IIHS), the leading U.S. proponent of the
technology, is directly funded by the top 66 insurance
companies. These companies stand to reap a similar windfall
by hiking rates in California and Arizona where points are
assessed for camera violations. Of course, police officials
like one of D.C.'s top cops have openly said they'd like to
give points for camera offenses. That's the billion dollar
payoff to the supporters of this technology. --Richard
Diamond

Full article:

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/business/articles/timid69666?source=
Speed camera drivers' £1,500 bill
27 October 2003

BEING caught by speed cameras could cost up to £1,500 in
insurance premiums, a report has revealed.

Penalty points on a licence are seized upon by insurers, who
are expected to make an extra £400m from drivers who get
caught this year alone.

The report shows that being snapped by the cameras means far
more than three points and a £60 fine. The 'double whammy'
comes when drivers have to tell insurance firms of any
speeding offences during the last five years.

Three points on a licence will mean the driver having to pay
an average £196 'risk levy' over the five years on top of
normal premiums. Motorists with six points will pay £512.85
extra, while those with nine points a staggering £1,419.40.

The extra 'stealth' costs were found by Cyclops, which makes
in-car speed camera detectors. The devices are legal because
they alert drivers to the presence of cameras which -
ministers and police insist - are safety measures to save
lives, not raise money.

A Cyclops spokesman said: 'Insurance premiums provide
another sting in the tail of a speed camera endorsement.
Until recently most insurers ignored one speeding
conviction, classing them as minor infringements.' But
following the speeding crackdown, he said, many insurers
have started acting upon drivers who receive just one
conviction.

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