CONTROVERSIAL comments made by Gwent’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) about speed cameras aiming to collect money rather than reduce speed were met with mixed reactions in Newport yesterday.

PCC Ian Johnston criticised the current speed awareness partnership GoSafe, which is responsible for red light and speed camera enforcement, claiming it was not listening to the public. He said: “My complaint about the current system is there’s no link between members of the public complaining about speeding vehicles and where GoSafe actually places the speed vans and I believe, as a lot of members of the public do, that the speed vans are there not to reduce speed but to collect money.”

Marian Mclauchlan, who lives just outside of Usk, said: “Actually I think they [speed cameras] make driving more dangerous.

“When people see them, they slam the brakes on and it could cause more accidents."

“The number of times I’ve been following a car and they slam down their brakes because they don’t know the speed limit so they just guess at 30mph just in case.

“Our little community just outside Usk, it’s 40mph but nobody takes any notice.”

Newport resident Debra Flaherty said: “They [speed cameras] don’t make a difference, drivers still speed.

“I think for people to get fined it should have to be excessive speed.”

Peter Wright, of Newport, said: also agreed with Mr Johnston: “I don’t agree with them. They often put them behind trees to catch people.

“If they’re doing 32 or 33mph, it’s only just over – if they’re doing 60/70mph in a 30mph then fair enough.”

Phil Edwards, of Llanhilleth, said: “I think the purpose of the speed cameras is very good, if they’re used for the reason they should be but I do get the impression they are there to make money."

“I know from friends and family that have been on the speed awareness course that it is beneficial and they are more safety conscious now.”

But Pat Ashman, of Rogerstone, disagreed with Mr Johnston and said speed cameras are a deterrent.

She added: “We go to Cardiff a lot and there’s that permanent speed camera by the Heath and so people slow down and brake for it.

“I think they need a few more of them to be honest."

“I went on a speed awareness course and I thought it was good.”

Chris Hume, partnership manager at GoSafe, said in response to Mr Johnston’s comments: “Camera sites are selected in accordance with the Welsh Government guidelines, and each site is reviewed on an annual basis by the relevant partners, including Gwent Police.

“It is therefore a little perverse that there is a suggestion by Mr Johnston that the sites are inappropriate.

“We totally endorse the support that Mr Johnston is giving to the Community Speed Watch scheme, and he will know that GoSafe have been instrumental in the setting up of some of those schemes.

“We look forward to continuing to work alongside Gwent Police.”