MORE than 100 people were caught speeding in Suffolk every day last year, it emerged today.

MORE than 100 people were caught speeding in Suffolk every day last year, it emerged today.

In total, 38,220 motorists were caught flouting speed laws in 2008 - an average of 105 a day - which would have generated a minimum of �2.3 million in fines.

This is an increase on the previous year when 33,152 drivers were caught speeding - an average of 91 per day.

Suffolk SafeCam, a partnership of agencies including Suffolk Constabulary and Suffolk County Council, said the increase between 2007 and 2008 could be down to increased enforcement.

Michelle Finnerty, of Suffolk SafeCam, said there was increased enforcement between September and December in 2008 to clampdown on driving offences.

“Increased enforcement funds were made available which gave us more ability to take more enforcement,” she said. “That is where I see the increase coming from.

“We don't want to catch drivers out, we just want them to slow down. By slowing down they will have more time to react to potential hazards and will therefore be a safer driver.

“The speed limits are in place for everyone and they are there for a reason. Allow time for your journey, stick to the limit and not only will you avoid a fine and points on your licence, you'll also arrive at your destination less stressed.”

A spokesman for road safety charity Brake said speed cameras helped maintain safety on the roads.

“Speed cameras are there to enforce speed limits and to protect life, particularly on rural roads and in towns and we are in favour of them.

“We support more police on our roads so that people who do break the speed limit and law are caught and it does send clear messages out to drivers that it will not be tolerated.”

Suffolk SafeCam undertakes targeted fixed and mobile camera enforcement at specific locations and routes with a history of collisions involving killed or seriously injured casualties.

In total there are 28 sites where mobile enforcement takes place, seven fixed cameras and ten 'red' routes - roads where enforcement takes place at any point along the route due to the high number of accidents.

Weekly locations of fixed and mobile cameras can be found at www.suffolksafecam.co.uk.

Are speed cameras a good thing - or are they a means of collecting a stealth tax? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk