New caneras based on SPECS technology
The Government is trialling a new generation of speed cameras that can track drivers for up to 30 miles, it has been revealed. The average speed cameras could be positioned across large areas of cities or urban areas and drivers would not be able to evade them even by making a series of turns.
By covering all the entry or exit points the cameras would work out whether a driver has sped at any part of their journey. The cameras would be connected via internet lines and would calculate a car’s average speed and slowing down briefly will have no effect.
There could be up to 50 cameras working together and they can be positioned more than 15 miles apart. The devises automatically read number plates and transmit data instantly to a penalty processing centre.
It is understood that police trials of the new cameras have concluded successfully and further trials are due to start in Northern Ireland. The Home Office could approve the technology as early as January and the first fines could start flooding in next summer.
Jim Fitzpatrick, the Road Safety Minister, said yesterday would improve congestion and save lives. ‘When the Home Office approves the equipment, I think there will be great interest among the safety-camera partnerships. They will give a more sophisticated edge to cameras than the blunt instrument we have at the moment.’
Mr Fitzpatrick said that existing pairs of average speed cameras have proved the technology works. ‘Wherever there are average-speed camera signs, the traffic moves at a uniform pace. Congestion reduces and accidents reduce.’
The Association of British Drivers disagrees, arguing that Specs3 could cause drivers to lose concentration. Brian Gregory, a founder member, said: ‘People put the car in cruise control and the mind in neutral. It’s so boring driving through these sections at a constant slow speed that people are going to drop off.’