Average speed cameras on ALL ROADS!!! - 17th Sep 2008 9:36am
Originally Posted by Pistonheads
Average speed cameras that track drivers over long distances are to be rolled out across the country to replace Gatsos, it has been reported. Currently the cameras – dubbed 'yellow vultures' – are used where road works are taking place, but ministers now plan to use them in accident black spots, in residential areas and on motorways.
The Home Office is expected to grant approval for the technology in January and it would open the floodgates for the cameras to be used nationwide. The cameras work in pairs and can monitor traffic for up to six miles. They calculate the average speed of vehicles and eliminate the possibility of slowing down to pass a camera.
The AA claims that the cameras could jeopardise safety by forcing drivers to tailgate each other as they adhere to the strict limit. Paul Watters, head of road safety policy, said that half of motorway traffic exceeds the 70mph limit, meaning every other driver will receive a fine.
A spokesman for the Association of British Drivers said average speed cameras could cause more accidents than they prevented: 'You will get a load of people staring at their speedometers instead of concentrating on what’s going on around them.’ Captain Gatso, of Motorists Against Detection, added: ‘This will not reduce deaths on the roads. It’s all about money.’
The Home Office is expected to grant approval for the technology in January and it would open the floodgates for the cameras to be used nationwide. The cameras work in pairs and can monitor traffic for up to six miles. They calculate the average speed of vehicles and eliminate the possibility of slowing down to pass a camera.
The AA claims that the cameras could jeopardise safety by forcing drivers to tailgate each other as they adhere to the strict limit. Paul Watters, head of road safety policy, said that half of motorway traffic exceeds the 70mph limit, meaning every other driver will receive a fine.
A spokesman for the Association of British Drivers said average speed cameras could cause more accidents than they prevented: 'You will get a load of people staring at their speedometers instead of concentrating on what’s going on around them.’ Captain Gatso, of Motorists Against Detection, added: ‘This will not reduce deaths on the roads. It’s all about money.’