Many, if not a majority, of motorists will be dismayed to learn that Bradford district looks set to get more speed cameras.

There is no doubt that these have been misused in the past, leading many people to view them more as another way of pulling in money rather than making our roads safer.

And it is true that they are a blunt instrument when compared to a well-trained police officer, who can apply a little common sense and take into account such things as road conditions, the time of day and volume of traffic when dealing with motorists – considerations which are beyond a mere machine.

At the same time, however, it must be acknowledged that speed cameras can be a useful tool to make drivers slow down when conditions or location demand it.

Although latest figures may well show an improvement, the fact that Bradford district failed to hit recent targets for reducing the number of deaths and injuries on its roads would suggest that action is necessary.

What we hope and expect to happen is that this action will involve a number of strategies according to local needs.

So some speed cameras, then, but not only speed cameras.

It is also important that any new cameras are monitored so that we know they are effective – and by that we mean in terms of tackling a given problem, not how much money they have raised.