Speed Cameras Step Up a Gear

There's been so much in the news lately about ANPR cameras being used to catch out tax evaders, stop long-stays at carparks, and even to try to prevent traffic congestion. I've read so much about these cameras being adopted all over the UK that I'm growing really rather tired of it all.

However, I came across some news today that might interest you - speed cameras that will monitor drivers' average speeds over a wide area are to appear on hundreds of UK roads next year. This means that those who drive over the speed limit, but slow down when approaching a camera (I'm sure there are plenty of you cheeky monkeys out there who do this!), will no longer get away with it and will have their car registrations snapped.

Apparently, it will be impossible to avoid the cameras and, unlike many cameras currently used, these new ones will never run out of film. (I'm impressed.) Up to 50 cameras will work together in a network, meaning that noone will get away with speeding, even if they make a detour from their main route.

Police trials of the cameras have already been successfully completed in London and it is estimated that the Home Office will approve the new technology by the end of January '09.

Although driving unlawfully fast is something many of us may be guilty of, the trials in London show that compliance from drivers has been high, with only one driver per 10,000 having to be fined between junctions 10 and 12 of the M4.

Right, that's the latest news on cameras. And I hope it'll be the last for a while at least.

Happy weekend, everyone! (And drive safely!)

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