A neo-institutional economic approach to automated speed enforcement systems

Abstract

Purpose: From the economic literature, the automated speed enforcement schemes can be interpreted as a specific institution, which works to the reduction of the social cost and enables a better use of road infrastructures. It also represents a particular technology for producing traffic safety. Method: Analyzing the ASE schemes through an economic approach stresses crucial characteristics to investigate. Our analysis proposes to follow the economic approach guidelines to identify and to analyze an ASE program (resources, goals and appraisal). Results and Conclusion: This framework also enables a systematic analysis of the ASE schemes by emphasizing on the important characteristics. It makes also possible to establish comparisons between different systems and to be able to identify a specific risk regulation regime. An application is done for the French system (Contrôle Automatisé or CA) and the British program (Safety Camera Programme or SCP). © 2010 The Author(s).