Civic leaders say the controversial Gatsos cost taxpayers £400,000 a year – but all money from fines goes straight into Treasury coffers. Swindon Borough Council in Wiltshire believes the money would be better spent on other safety measures, like road signs and sleeping policeman.
It is the first local authority to rebel and accuse the Government of using cameras to raise cash rather than prevent accidents.
Tory councillor Peter Greenhalgh said: “We treat road safety very seriously. But this money goes straight into the Government’s pocket. “We don’t get anything back. Local safety measures are far more effective than speed cameras, which I feel are a blatant tax on the motorist.”
The Conservative-run council is considering withdrawing from the Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership next year. The scheme operates 16 fixed cameras, three red-light cameras, eight vans and three motorcycles across the county.
Filed under: Councils | Tagged: Councils, Gatsos, Government, Swindon, Taxpayer
