No longer a grey area. All speed cameras to be high vis
The government has announced that all speed cameras on the strategic road network will be painted yellow by October 2016.
According to the Department for Transport there are approximately 200 camera sites on England’s motorways “some of which contain multiple cameras.” These cameras should already be accompanied by signs to alert drivers of their presence. Now they will also be painted yellow.
The Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:
“We are on the side of honest motorists. I’ve always been clear that cameras should be visible and get used for safety rather than revenue raising. This move is about applying common sense to our roads. Speed cameras should make journeys safer rather than lead to dangerous braking. I’m delighted Highways England have agreed to meet our timetable to achieve this.”
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said:
“This literally gives clarity to the matter. If speed cameras are to be universally accepted as road safety tools and not revenue-raising entrapment devices they should be clearly visible. Cameras must surely be about securing compliance, not catching people out, they can’t do that if they blend into the scenery.”
The move follows a review into the issue launched by the former transport minister John Hayes at the beginning of 2015.
ENDS
Contact:
Philip Gomm – Head of External Communications – RAC Foundation
[email protected] | 020 7747 3445 | 07711 776448 | 020 7389 0601 (ISDN)
Notes to editors:
The RAC Foundation is a transport policy and research organisation that explores the economic, mobility, safety and environmental issues relating to roads and their users.
The Foundation publishes independent and authoritative research with which it promotes informed debate and advocates policy in the interest of the responsible motorist. All the Foundation’s work is available at: www.racfoundation.org