OXFORD East’s Labour MP Andrew Smith said it was “irresponsible” to turn off the county’s Speed cameras as part of a cost-saving measure.

Every speed camera in tOxfordshire will be switched off on Sunday following a £600,000 cut in funding to the Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership, which coordinates road safety.

Thames Valley Police has pledged to continue to enforce the law on the roads, but has ruled out paying the six-figure sum to prevent 72 fixed speed cameras and seven traffic light cameras from being turned off.

Mr Smith said: “I think it is really irresponsible to turn these cameras off because the evidence is there that they save lives and prevent accidents by cutting speed.

“The vast majority of motorists are responsible but there is a tiny minority which will see this as a green light to drive at higher speed, which will mean more accidents, deaths and injuries.

“The authorities need to look between them at how the cameras can remain on. Announcing that they are to be turned off is itself irresponsible.”

Mr Smith suggested some drivers may change the way they drive because of the switch-off.

He added: “If people know they are not operating, there is a minority who will take advantage and sadly they are the ones who will cause accidents.

“I will be pressing for the cameras to be kept on in the interests of road safety.”

However, Wantage Tory MP Ed Vaizey believed the decision was correct.

He said: “ I think that money is tight and the county council has to take tough decisions.

“I think Thames Valley Police can give good advice on the best way to maintain road safety.

“Speed cameras were switched off in Swindon about a year ago and there has not been any noticeable reduction in road safety.”

Oxford West and Abingdon Conservative MP Nicola Blackwood wanted to ensure there was a solid road safety strategy in place for the county.

She said: “I am not concerned about the speed cameras themselves because there is not too much evidence that they reduce the number of accidents.

“At the same time, I want to be reassured that there is a coherent road safety strategy in Oxford West and Abingdon.

“As a result I will be writing to the county council, Thames Valley Police, and Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership for reassurance.

“In some areas, 20mph speed limits have been quite effective and I think you can make intelligent use of the finance that is available.”

Henley Tory MP John Howell said: “The county council has a democratic mandate to run its own affairs and I will not stand on the sidelines and carp about every budget-making decision.

“The county council has to come up with its own programme of cuts and stand by them to the electorate.”

Asked if he thought speed cameras saved lives, he said: “I don’t know.”

Banbury Tory MP Tony Baldry said he would be investigating the issue.

Witney Tory MP and Prime Minister David Cameron was unavailable for comment.