Speed cameras are to be placed along the M1, M6 and M25 and motorways where the traffic flow is already controlled by different devices, such a variable speed limits.
The ‘stealth cameras’ will be painted grey rather than the more common bright, and more obvious, yellow speed cameras.
The Highways Agency have said that the cameras would be installed on ‘smart motorways’, where speed limits could be controlled remotely and hard shoulders opened during peak times to ease traffic flow. However others have argued that the system is not about safety or traffic levels, but about generating extra revenue from motorists.
A spokesperson for the Alliance of British Drivers remarked: “We are opposed to speed cameras in general. The evidence of their success in promoting safety is not good and in reality what is happening now is that the police are using speed cameras to fund their other activities through speed awareness courses.”
“If these cameras are grey rather than yellow they are going to be harder to spot and so will have no impact in slowing traffic down. If there is a good reason for the traffic to be slowed down then the cameras need to be as visible as possible.”
The Highways Agency said: “The cameras will be visible and motorists will see the recognisable signs that tell them they are in an area where speed enforcement cameras can operate. They are definitely not ‘stealth’ cameras.”
Feb, 04, 2014