Half of U.S. drivers support the use of speed cameras while more than a third oppose them, according to a recent survey commissioned by Erie Insurance. However, many opponents said they would change their minds under certain conditions.

The survey found that 49 percent of drivers support speed cameras while 35 percent oppose them. Meanwhile, 60 percent of drivers who do not support or are neutral about speed cameras said they would support their installation on roads with a documented speeding or crash problem and on roads used frequently by pedestrians and bicycles.

The survey also found that:

• 54 percent of drivers believe speed cameras are an effective way to get people to obey speed limits, while 23 percent disagree.

• Only 33 percent of drivers feel that speed cameras violate people’s privacy, while 46 percent disagree.

• 53 percent of drivers think speed cameras are more about raising revenue for governments than about improving traffic safety.

• 61 percent think drivers who are photographed speeding should get a ticket only if they’re going more than 10 mph over the speed limit.

According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, approximately 170 U.S. communities currently use speed cameras, and automated enforcement legislation is pending in 15 states. Speed cameras may become more prevalent with implementation of the new infrastructure law, which allows states to use federal grant funds for speed camera programs in work zones, in addition to school zones, which was already permitted.

The survey was conducted online by Falls & Co. on behalf of Erie Insurance, from Aug. 22 through Sept. 2, 2021, among 500 U.S. licensed drivers ages 18 and older.