But 50 per cent believe raising money is their primary aim.

Latest research shows that 50 per cent of Britain’s motorists think that raising money is the speed camera’s primary aim.

A survey of more than 1,000 suggested 70 per cent of motorists agree that speed awareness courses are a better idea than prosecution. However, 65 per cent of over-65s think cameras are a good replacement for prosecution.

The findings were revealed in the Public Opinions of Speed Cameras report, compiled by a road safety charity.

Institute of Advanced Motorists’ director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “Support for cameras is strong, as is support for speed awareness training - rather than fines or points. Prosecuting and fining drivers does not improve driving skills or awareness of the hazards of excessive speed.”

More than 80 per cent of those who took part in the survey think that speed cameras have contributed to falling road death rates over the past decade and nearly half of all respondents think that road deaths and serious injuries would increase if the cameras were permanently turned off.

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