LET’S get one thing out the way first of all when considering the debate about speed cameras: our roads are getting safer.

In 2000 some 453 people were seriously injured on county roads and 63 killed. But this fell to 280 injuries and 28 deaths in 2012.

Many factors have played a role: driver education, safer cars, lower speed limits and a culture change over drink driving.

Speed cameras undoubtedly have a part to play and today’s figures, which show a 28 per cent rise in tickets issued, will worry many about the safety of our roads.

Those who vehemently oppose speed cameras say speed is rarely the cause of accidents.

That may be true, but it misses one crucial factor: the outcome for crash victims who have been speeding or who have been hit by a speeding driver is likely to be far worse than those not speeding, whatever the cause.

That is why cameras play a role in keeping our roads safe where the temptation is greatest for some to put their foot down.

Others will accuse the Government of running cameras as a “cash cow”. But the same could be said for any range of offences that attract fines, from dog fouling to drug possession.

We hope those who commit major breaches have the book thrown at them instead of being handed the option of an education course rather than penalty points.