In today's world of austerity measures and cutbacks it seems nothing is sacred.

Originally installed to make the roads safer now the infernal electrical speed cameras that blight our roads are poised to disappear as part of the latest scheme to save money.

In my opinion speed cameras were a good idea implemented badly.

Despite some cameras raising astonishing amounts in fines the money went to central government rather than being kept by the authority where the offence was committed.

Were the cameras effective? Well, the camera locations are known to locals so it was only those from out of town who got caught. That's not very fair is it?

Upon seeing a speed camera most motorists slow down indeed even my good self slows down to 10mph or more below the speed limit upon seeing a camera however most motorists speed up as soon as they have passed by so the camera only has a localised effect.

Amazingly it seems most of the cameras around Wycombe are actually switched off.

A few years ago one of my friends invested in a special device which could be installed on the dashboard of their car and detected the radar signals sent out by active cameras.

My friend took me for a ride in their car and to my amazement the newfangled camera detector indicated that all of the cameras we drove past were inactive.

Is it any wonder the government banned windscreen mounted radar detecting devices in favour of GPS devices which tell drivers where the cameras are located but give no indication as to their state of activity?

For localised traffic calming on the roads outside a school the speed camera is ideal even if it is switched off but as a general speed reduction deterrent they were ineffective.

What it really needs is for the funding for the fixed cameras to be used to implement mobile cameras that change location so drivers have to keep on the ball.

Personally I think the speeding fines dished out are too low. If I had my way drivers caught at more than 10mph over the limit on two occasions in a year would be banned from driving for ten years and their cars would be confiscated and crushed. They would soon learn the error of their ways.

Since the 1970's car safety has come on strides. Air bags, anti-lock disc brakes, crumple zones and seat belts were unheard of forty years ago. Maybe car travel has become too safe?

Switching off the cameras will put more reliance on the safety measures in cars to prevent injuries as a result the losers will be the children and pedestrians who get run over while the drivers are protected in the safety cells built into their cars.

In recent times the police seem to have relied on the cameras to catch the speeding drivers. I wonder if we will see more police on patrol when the cameras are decommissioned? I won't be holding my breath....

What do you think?