Concerns Raised as Speed Camera Numbers Fall Amid Rising Road Deaths in Scotland

Fresh data released under Freedom of Information by Police Scotland has revealed a sharp decline in the number of operational speed cameras across the country—sparking renewed debate about road safety at a time when fatalities are on the rise.

According to the figures, 120 speed cameras remain in place but are currently covered with “Not in Use” signs. This represents a near 25% reduction in active enforcement since last year. Of those decommissioned, 86 were dedicated to detecting speeding, 25 monitored drivers running red lights, and nine had the dual function of catching both offences.

Safety Cameras Scotland confirmed that the total number of active cameras has now dropped from 493 in 2023 to just 372.

The timing of the reduction has drawn criticism, given that Transport Scotland’s provisional statistics, released in June, highlight a worsening picture of road safety. Fatalities increased from 147 in 2023 to 160 in 2024. Much of this rise was attributed to car-related deaths, which jumped from 57 to 74. Motorcycle fatalities also edged up, from 27 to 31.

For road safety campaigners and motoring organisations, the figures raise serious concerns. Speed cameras have long been regarded as a proven and cost-effective way to curb dangerous driving behaviours, particularly speeding—still one of the leading contributors to serious and fatal collisions.

Luca Straker, campaigns manager at Brake, the road safety charity, emphasised the human cost:

“Every day, five people die on UK roads and many more sustain serious, life-changing injuries. Speed is one of the biggest killers, contributing to one in four fatal crashes. We see first-hand the devastating impact of these tragedies through our work with road victims across Scotland. Safety cameras are an efficient way to hold speeding drivers accountable. But most importantly, drivers themselves must take responsibility and stick to speed limits every time they get behind the wheel.”

Motoring groups have also warned that the drop in enforcement could undermine years of progress in reducing casualties. Some have gone further, suggesting that a stronger police presence on the roads is urgently needed to complement camera enforcement and deter reckless driving.

The debate comes against the backdrop of renewed efforts by the Scottish Government and local authorities to achieve long-term “Vision Zero” targets—eliminating road deaths by 2050. Campaigners argue that reducing enforcement capacity now risks undermining these ambitions.

While the reasons for decommissioning so many cameras have not been fully detailed, rising costs, maintenance issues, and shifting priorities in road safety strategy are likely to be factors. Critics, however, insist that at a time of increasing fatalities, enforcement should be expanding, not contracting.

For communities across Scotland, the question remains whether enough is being done to prevent further tragedies on the roads. As stakeholders debate the role of cameras, traffic policing, and driver behaviour, the families of those lost to road crashes continue to pay the highest price.