STEADY drivers overtaken by speeding traffic have always said: `They won't get there any faster.'
Research from a leading Yorkshire academic now shows they were right.
Professor Andrew Day is backing efforts to halt the practice of speed camera "surfing" now prevalent in Huddersfield.
Belts of speed cameras on many A roads radiating from the town centre see drivers adopt a stop-start policy as they slam on their brakes for the camera before powering away.
But those drivers actually travel slower than those who keep to a slower steady speed.
Prof Day is acknowledged as a world authority on braking after more than 25 years' work in improving vehicle safety.
He is consulted by global vehicle makers such as Ford.
The West Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership, which is responsible for installing fixed and mobile speed cameras, wants to re-educate motorists who ignore speed limits between cameras.
"Driving like that is completely self-defeating," said Prof Day.
"Various studies show that your overall journey is actually quicker when you travel at a steady 30 or 40 mph, whatever the limit is, rather than slamming on the brakes in front of the cameras and putting your foot down as soon as you are past.
"Most drivers who surf actually go through the monitored zone at a lower speed.
"Then they underestimate the time taken to accelerate again, not to mention the fact that they are creating a hazard for other drivers who maintain a steady speed."
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