Stealth cams coming

09th October 2009

We've already got Gatsos, average-speed checkers and junction-box monitors, but the next set of cameras to hit the road won’t even flash!

A range of European super-traps is being planned, so you’ll have no idea you’ve been snapped. In addition, they’re set to cover multiple lanes simultaneously, and recognise different types of vehicles to ensure they are sticking to the correct limit – HGVs won’t be able to escape checks in the fast lane.

Continental roads get new systems such as this before the UK, and our French sister title Auto Plus has uncovered plans by its Government to introduce the hi-tech cameras.

Inventors have been briefed to make a “digital speed-monitoring system with advanced functionalities”. Proposals are due in this week, and the approved system is set to be in use within a year.

The RAC Foundation said that the move spelled misery for UK motorists. A spokesman said: “New cameras, especially if they do their job by stealth, will be treated with suspicion.
“They should be only one part of the fight to reduce road casualties – and their positioning should be based on evidence that they will save lives, not help balance the books for politicians.”

Meanwhile, the Highways Agency is set to spend £58m on new digital cameras to monitor variable speed limits and hard shoulder running.

...But Tories will pull plug on Gatsos

All is not lost for motorists sick of being caught on camera.

The Tories have confirmed they may axe speed traps if they come to power at the next election!

Funding for roadside cameras would be stopped, Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers pledged, while local safety camera partnerships would be scrapped.

Instead, the Tories would promote the use of speed-activated signs to warn motorists they’re breaking the limit. These cost £1,000, against a camera’s £50,000, and prevent more accidents.

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