UIA Insurance News

Permanent speed cameras on Cumbrian road 'should reduce car insurance claims'

The number of car insurance claims made as a result of incidents on a popular tourist highway could be cut, after the Highways Agency announced it is to take action to improve safety.

Average speed cameras - normally used to monitor vehicles travelling through roadworks - will be installed on the A66 in Cumbria, becoming the first permanent installation of such technology.

The agency believes this will force motorists to stick to the 50 mph limit, improving the chances of drivers negotiating the road safely.

Roughly 12,000 vehicles use the westbound carriageway near Bassenthwaite Lake each day, but in a four-year period between 2004 and 2008 there were 25 accidents causing injury to at least one person.

Phil Davies, Highways Agency project sponsor, said: "Accidents here are not only unacceptably high in terms of personal injuries but they also cause considerable disruption to travellers and local communities when they happen."

Price comparison site Confused.com last week warned that being involved in two road accidents could cause car insurance premiums to more than double.

By David Leonard

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