THE majority of people in Dorset are in favour of speed cameras, a new survey claims.

The survey carried out on behalf of the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership found that most people are in favour of cameras because they save lives, mean fewer accidents on the roads and encourage drivers to stick to safe and legal speed limits.

The survey compiled its data by questioning residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch, Ferndown, Poole, Shaftesbury and Sherborne.

The survey found that 78 per cent of people agreed that the use of safety cameras should be supported as a way of reducing the amount of casualties on Dorset roads.

Only seven per cent disagreed and the remainder were neutral.

Sixty-eight per cent agreed that the primary aim of speed cameras is to save lives with only 20 per cent of people disagreeing.

And only 26 per cent of people disagreed that fewer accidents are likely to happen on roads with speed cameras.

Pat Garrett, head of fixed penalties for the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership, said: "The survey makes for encouraging reading and reflects what we at the Partnership believe.

"The main objective of the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership is to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on Dorset's roads as a consequence of both excessive and inappropriate speed.

"Safety cameras are a constant reminder to all motorists to do the right thing, which is to drive safely and within the speed limit."

To vote on this matter, see this week's poll question

First published: October 23