'Invisible' speed cameras that track drivers
A new generation of speed cameras that track drivers over long distances is being installed across Britain.
A new generation of speed cameras that track drivers over long distances is being installed across Britain. The devices calculate a car's average speed between two points which may be miles apart unlike existing cameras which can measure speed only at a single point.
The new cameras, called Specs are also harder for drivers to spot than the familiar yellow boxes. They are fixed to slim poles above a driver's line of vision and do not flash. Critics warn that the 'Big Brother' system will be another cash raising tool designed to persecute drivers. Those in favour of the new cameras deny they are money makers, claiming theyencourage people to drive at a sensible speed over longer distances. But they catch a high number of drivers. A pair recently clocked up more than £84,000 in fines in just three weeks. Another pair covering a mile long stretch of the A610 in Nottinghamshire generate £1million a year.
The new cameras work out a drivers average speed between two sites by capturing the cars registration number at the start and end of the stretch. Cars whos average speed is above the limit have their image and registration number retained so that a fixed penalty notice can be sent out automatically.
Specs do not need film because they take electronic or digital images. About 75 pairs are said to be in operation already but experts predict more will be used around Britain.They are due to be installed on the A14 in Cambridgeshire as well as on a 28-mile stretch of road on one of Scotlands most dangerous routes, the A77. Nigel Humphries, of the Association of British Drivers said: "Drivers will be caught without even knowing it. This is about raising revenue."
The RAC Foundation has also criticised Specs cameras, saying they are more effective at generating money than cutting speeds. The Foundations Edmund King said: "The problem with them is drivers do not know they are there so they do not deter people from speeding or get them to slow down."The amount paid by motorists in speed camera fines soared to more than £112million last year - nearly twice as much as the previous year.The revelation comes just weeks after it emerged a huge network of hi-tech traffic cameras is to be set up to catch uninsured and untaxed drivers. The system will be able to read number plates, scan national databases in seconds and warn patrol cars waiting further down the road.
Source: Daily Express, Monday April 4th 2005, Page 25.
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