The treasury has raked in thousands of pounds from speeding motorists – with just one camera.
The speed camera on Parkhurst Road, St George’s, has flashed 724 motorists over a two year period, earning the Government £7,380.
Just 123 motorists accepted the fixed £60 fine and three penalty points, while 601 others chose the £97 speed awareness course, the fee for which goes to the provider.
The figures, released under Freedom of Information laws, come as Islington will become one of the first places in the country to introduce 20mph speed limits on main roads.
In 2009, 322 motorists where caught by the eastbound facing Parkhurst Road camera, by Moriarty Close, putting £2,640 in the Treasury’s coffers. While, 402 cars were flashed by the camera in 2008, earning £4,740.
A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police, who compile the figures, said: “Where given, most people would take up the speed awareness course option.
“The majority would take it if they could but obviously it’s a personal choice and some people might not be able to and would rather have the points.”
In 2009, Islington was the first borough to introduce 20mph speed limits on all side streets to improve safety and cut pollution and noise.
Now main roads in the borough, including Essex Road, Caledonian Road, Old Street, Hornsey Road, Stroud Green and Goswell Road, will have 20mph speed limits enforced after a consultation period.
The 20mph speed limit will not apply to roads managed by Transport for London, such as Upper Street, Holloway Road and Seven Sisters’ Road.
Cllr Paul Convery, Islington Council’s executive member for planning, regeneration and leisure, said: “We’re on the side of our residents and are committed to making Islington a safer place.
“This is a bold step, but there has been strong support from local residents and councilors for extending 20mph in Islington and we are taking a firm lead.
“Of all major motoring offences speeding is seen as the least socially unacceptable, but it’s a killer. Someone hit at 20mph has a 90 per cent chance of survival. At 30mph, it’s 50 per cent.
“Drink-driving was once seen as not that bad – today it is rightly seen as completely wrong. We believe Islington’s pioneering approach will one day become the accepted standard in London and other cities.”
