The automated speed enforcement system in Great Britain: between a technical revolution and administrative continuity

Abstract

At the start of the 1990s, Great Britain implemented a national programme of speed checks that includes more than 5000 check locations. The coverage of the road network then allows increased surveillance of users. The deployment of this system constitutes a `technical revolution' in the manner of operating the checks. The results are convincing; a reduction in traffic speeds and an improvement in the road casualty toll. The system is also based on an original concept: local partnerships coordinated by a national office that must self-finance their operations. The speed camera programme is thus also an example of the implementation of a policy influenced by New Public Management. In fact, there are obvious parallels between the operation of the new automatic speed equipment and that of the traffic police tasks provided by police forces. In summary, the technical revolution will be combined with administrative continuity.

Points for practitioners

The introduction of automatic speed checks in Great Britain is a practical example of the implementation of automatic equipment replacing roles previously provided by other organizations, which will attract the interest of practitioners working on institutional change. It also allows us to discern the consequences of the introduction of a tool arising from new technologies, to understand its implementation into existing administrative practices and the change in relations with users. Finally, the operating methods for the equipment organization, divided between a centre responsible for strategy and local partnerships responsible for operational implementation within a financial framework requiring self-financing, are an original example of taking over an activity traditionally devolved to police organizations.