Police ‘Will Keep Camera Enforcement Powers’ Date: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 Source: Cliff Caswell SecurityOracle.com

The Association of Chief Police Officers has played down press reports that speed cameras will be privatised as part of a package of measures to cut costs. In setting the record straight, the organisation’s Lead on Roads Policing Chief Constable Mick Giannasi said that enforcement would always remain in the hands of the police. While he accepted that administration functions could potentially be outsourced in a move to reduce back-office costs in “difficult financial times”, he said this move would not lead to a United States-style privatisation. Mr Giannasi said: “Speed cameras remain an important tool in moderating driver behaviour and have contributed to reductions in fatal and serious casualties. “This type of enforcement has always been a priority for the Police Service.” The senior officer added: “I can state quite categorically that there has been no suggestion that speed camera enforcement will be carried out by private organisations. The law states the Police Service will carry out enforcement. “However, in the difficult financial times ahead, savings must be made somewhere – reducing back office administrative costs is one option to be considered by the service and the Department for Transport,” he concluded. Courtesy of SecurityOracle.com - The Secury Industry's Portal