Menace of new speed cameras
THE war on motorists is being stepped up with Big Brother speed cameras that track every inch of a car journey, campaigners warned last night.
The hi-tech traps calculate a driver’s average speed over several miles, unlike the current cameras that only snap at a specific spot.
Critics say the new machines would lead to a huge number of drivers amassing penalty points.
Others believe the equipment is being designed to squeeze yet more money out of beleaguered motorists who are already struggling with the spiralling costs of fuel, car tax and repairs.
A Motorists Against Detection spokesman said: “If this goes live, it would lead to even more motorists losing their licences – and possibly their livelihood.
“Why should the police hammer motorists while the real criminals get away scot-free?
“The idea is to trial this kit out so they can roll it out on every straight stretch of road in the country. The only people who will benefit are the technology firms behind the cameras. People are still dying on our roads.”
Those caught going over the limit – even for a moment – could be hit with a three-point penalty and a £60 fine.
Thirty-four cameras are being tested on a five-mile stretch of the A13 in east London from Canning Town to the Gorsebrook interchange. They are also being used in tests to enforce a 20mph limit on a residential street in Camden, north London, and in pilot schemes in Scotland and Nottingham.
The machines are already used to check speeds at motorway roadworks. If the trials prove successful the intention is for the scheme to be rolled out across the whole of Britain.
The RedFusion system uses digital technology to take a picture of a car’s number plate.
When the motorist passes the next camera, another picture of the number plate is captured.
The time it took to travel between the two points is then processed in a central computer to give the average speed.
The system even works if vehicles change lanes.
An Association of British Drivers spokesman said: “It’s not how fast you’re driving but how you’re driving that’s important. The problem with these cameras is that they will penalise 24 hours a day, even at three in the morning.
“They are no alternative to police patrolling the roads. Our problem is less with the cameras, more with the speed limits, which are set far too low. “We need a police patrol back on the roads to stop aggressive driving, driving under the influence, tailgating – all these behaviours that are causing accidents.
“Speed is actually only one tiny factor – it is responsible for only five per cent of accidents.”
Tory transport spokesman Theresa Villiers said: “Introducing this type of camera surveillance makes it more important than ever to ensure that this technology is used in a way which focuses on road safety and saving lives rather than being just a cash cow designed only to squeeze the motorist for more money.”
Some motoring groups welcomed the system. Head of road safety at the AA Andrew Howard said: “A lot of residents have been praying for something that can slow down the traffic without going kerthunk all night as the cars hit the bumps.”
The London Safety Camera Partnership said motorists would not be fined during the trial, which will continue over the summer before officials decide whether to roll it out across the capital.
The new camera is made by RedSpeed International, based in Kidderminster, Worcs, which has already been criticised for its super-cameras that allow fines to be printed and sent out within half an hour of the offence.
Last night the firm was unavailable for comment.
The Department of Transport said that the introduction of the speedtraps would be at the discretion of Safety Camera Partnerships across the country.
