Speed cameras: the truth behind the hype

Despite recent media speculation, next month won’t see the end of speed cameras.

For the full story on the truth behind the media hype on speed cameras don’t miss the latest issue of MCN, out May 29.

New Government regulations come into force at the end of June, which should mean that speed cameras and mobile units are more visible, but they won’t be thrown on the scrapheap.

The new rules apply to the 26 areas of Britain which are in the netting-off (or hypothecation) scheme. That allows them to have a percentage of your speeding fine back to cover their operating costs. But counties which don’t abide by the rules will not be told to take their cameras down and scrap them.

The only punishment is that they will not be given their share of the money raised by that camera.So if you think you will be able to avoid a speeding fine because the camera’s not yellow, forget it.

You’ll still get the ticket, but the county which owns the camera won’t get its cut of the cash.

The new camera rules:

*Signs warning that you are approaching a camera must be no further than one kilometre away from it.

*Road signs or foliage must not obscure the view of the camera to motorists.

*Cameras must be visible to approaching motorists from 100 metres away.

*They must be painted yellow on the sides that face motorists. Cameras in beauty spots may be exempt from the rules on yellow paint, to prevent them becoming an eyesore.

*There must have been at least four people killed or seriously injured in accidents within one kilometre of the camera site.