Half Of Speed Cameras Are Inactive

RobBrady

According to an investigation by The Sun, almost half of all speed cameras in Britain are not currently operational.

Of the 3,189 cameras which are located on British roads, 48 per cent (1,522 cameras) were inactive. This was attributed to a reduction in government spending of £38 million and comes shortly after speed cameras celebrated their twentieth birthday.

On top of this figure, some areas, such as Avon and Somerset, were found to have switched off all of their cameras, whilst London pulled the plug on 75 per cent of their localised cameras. This means only 565 cameras out of a total of 764 were active.

Overall, more speed cameras were inactive this year than previously; with 37 per cent and 32 per cent of cameras switched off during 2010 and 2009 respectively.

However, whilst many of the speed cameras have been turned off, most of the units have not been removed from the roadside. Their continued presence is hoped to deter speeding, even if those guilty of the crime will not be captured or prosecuted as a result of the device.

In many ways, this is indicative of reports from earlier this year which saw the Nottinghamshire village of Ompton erect a fake speed camera to enforce speed restrictions.

For some, these reports will spark further speculation over whether speed cameras are an effective method of enforcing speed limits.

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Robert Brady

M8TJT

DennisN · Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 7:54 pm Post subject:

I think the Sun might do well to refer to your article last month noting the 20th anniversary of speed cameras, in which you included the following

M8TJT · Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 7:58 pm Post subject:

Which only goes to show that no one has the whole picture of how many are active and does it matter anyway? It's all done with smoke and mirrors, and if people slow down at a camera, provided it is located in a dangerous area rather than a cash cow area, then the camera has done it's job

mikealder

actd · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 26, 2008 Posts: 46

Yep, if it slows down the driver it's done the job. However, I think average speed cameras are a more effective way of enforcement if the force is genuine about reducing accidents and not raising money.

M8TJT

DennisN · Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 10:33 pm Post subject:

I agree average speed cameras are the proper way to go about it. BUT they need to make a HUGE publicity effort about them, so that all drivers understand what average speed check means - I'm sure I'm not the only one to be blasted by the slipstream of some fool who thinks he only has to slow down as he passes the batman pole. Rolling Eyes

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Dennis

If it tastes good - it's fattening.

Two of them are obesiting!!

shires999 · Lifetime Member Joined: Nov 09, 2006 Posts: 96

Guivre46 · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 4:15 pm Post subject:

As debated in another thread, it is the serious view insurers are now taking of speeding that is the penalty. Your wife will be hit hard in the purse.
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Mike R [aka Wyvern46]
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Andy_P · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 5:09 pm Post subject:

For "serious view of..." I would use "another opportunity to fleece..." Evil or Very Mad

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Guivre46 · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 5:51 pm Post subject:

Yes, I'd used up my daily allowance of cynicism by then.
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Mike R [aka Wyvern46]
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shires999 · Lifetime Member Joined: Nov 09, 2006 Posts: 96

Guivre46 · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 10:06 pm Post subject:

True, but it is 'relevant information' to their quote/premium and you might invalidate the policy if it is not disclosed.
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Mike R [aka Wyvern46]
Go 530T - unsupported
Go550 Live [not renewed]
Kia In-dash Tomtom

Andy_P · Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 12:52 am Post subject:

I began a claim with my insurers for a theft from my vehicle, but by the time they had rejected almost all of it for various pathetic reasons, I decided it was not worth the hassle and so I withdrew the claim.

I promised myself I would never deal with that company again, so at renewal time I went elsewhere (even though the quote from the current bunch was cheaper).

All went well until a week later when I got a call from the new company saying there was a problem.... an "at fault" claim with my old insurers that I hadn't told them about!

Bunch of crooks and shysters, the lot of them. Evil or Very Mad

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