08/03/05 - We Need More Than Road Humps & Speed Cameras To Stop Deaths

Following the debate on the Road Safety Bill today, Conservative Shadow Transport Secretary, Tim Yeo said:

Conservative road policy aims to make our roads safer, cut congestion and reduce pollution. We have taken a rational, evidence based approach to the Road Safety Bill and have asked the Government to make available, evidence on the effectiveness of road humps and to have an open discussion. We are very disappointed that Ministers have not responded, especially as the figures relied on are now a decade out of date.

We believe that road humps have failed to cut congestion and are damaging our environment. We have listened to the emergency services who warn that they are costing lives and we believe that no more should be constructed.

Conservatives believe that speed cameras and road humps do not detect the real criminals behind the wheel. Only traffic police can do this and we have pledged to give Chief Constables the chance to restore the cuts Labour have made. We will clamp down on the uninsured drivers on our roads and remove speed cameras that are cash raisers, not life savers. We have a timetable for action to make our roads safer.

Councillor Justin Tomlinson, North Swindon Conservative Parliamentary Candidate welcomed the Conservative plans, "Cllr Glenn Smith lead a campaign in Covingham & Nythe to have the unpopular road humps removed. Local residents have made their views clear onroad humps and speed cameras, and I believe they too will fully support our common sense plans."