End to speed cameras at roadworks
Published: 6th August 2006
Category: Statistics & Research, Schemes & Plans
Reader's Rage: [35votes]

Due to the numerous complaints, public outrage, and presumably the 55% increase of injury crashes at motorway roadworks where there are speed cameras in place, the cameras are to be gradually removed according to an article in The Times.

They will be replaced by electronic signs that shame speeding motorists into slowing down by monitoring traffic with a laser and displaying the number plate of offenders on a large electronic screen. No fines or points will be issued.

Trials on the M42 found that these devices worked far better than speed cameras making most drivers comply with a temporary 50mph limit. Half of the vehicles doing at least 55mph slowed down and two thirds exceeding 60mph. Only 31% slow down in comparison when a speed camera is used to control traffic.

The trial also found that hardly any drivers accelerated back up over the speed limit after their number plate was displayed on the electronic sign, while with a speed camera in place many drivers speed up immediately after passing it.

The device costs around ?15,000, half the price of a speed camera, and seems to be far more effective at getting drivers to comply with temporary limits. The director of Atkins, the company who manages the M42 on behalf of the Highway Agency, said the device will only be switched on while roadworks are actually being worked on. This differs greatly to the use of speed cameras at roadworks which remain active around the clock, even in the dead of night with no activity and very light traffic where the temporary limit is nearly always 40mph rather than 50mph used in the trial.

Speedcameras.org considers this as a victory for drivers and of course workmen who are less likely to be injured when the electronic sign is used rather than speed cameras. Hopefully the government will see sense and identify 100's of accident blackspots around the country (where a contributing factor of accidents has consistently been exceeding the speed limit) and get rid of those speed cameras. If drivers are more willing to comply with speed limits where the electronic sign is in place then these should be used instead.

Our comment: About time too! Safety must always be placed above making money and finally the Highways Agency takes a brave step to acknowledge that and wins the backing of many motorists.

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