No one likes to see the flash of a speed camera in their peripheral vision when they’re driving, but motorists in the UK will need to be extra careful with the introduction of new two-way cameras.
The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and 3 points on your license. And of course there’s the prospect of the dreaded speed awareness course.
Rack up 12 points on your license, and you could be disqualified from driving.
So, it’s important you’re aware of the new, two-way speed cameras that have arrived in the UK.
Developed by tech company Jenoptik, the yellow VECTOR-SR cameras are in operation 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
There are two unique things about these new ‘spot cameras’. Firstly, their two-way capabilities mean they will be able to capture vehicles on both sides of the road.
And secondly, because of their infra-red low-light technology, they won’t ‘flash’ when triggered. This means speeding drivers will have no idea at the time that they’ve been caught by the camera.
The cameras are being rolled out across the country, with some already installed in parts of Devon, Cornwall and Wales.
Transport Scotland have reportedly signed a half a million pound contract to have them installed in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
And earlier this week Greater Manchester Police announced more than 100 of the cameras have been installed in the city.
Superintendent Gareth Parkin of Greater Manchester Police’s Safer Transport Team said: “The new and upgraded speed cameras across the city-region will ensure that drivers adhere to road speeds and do not engage in reckless or anti-social driving.
“Speed limits are put in place to ensure our roads are safe. Excessive speeds increase the chances of driver error, increase the time it takes for a vehicle to stop and can also increase fatalities in the event of a collision.
“Nationally there were 1,711 fatalities last year and nearly 19,000 since 2012, which is more harm than knife crime. Regionally 73 per cent of collisions involve human error, individual responsibility is key if we are going to make a difference hence our approach targeting speeding drivers.
“GMP will not allow the safety of our roads to be compromised by dangerous drivers, and appropriate action will always be taken against offenders.”
Peter Boulton, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Head of Highways, added: “Any death or serious injury on our roads is one too many, and speeding is the leading cause of fatal road injuries which have a devastating impact on people’s lives.
“By investing in these safety cameras, we are underlining our commitment to Vision Zero, our ambition to reduce and eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads, therefore making Greater Manchester a safer place for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists.
“However education is just as important as enforcement when it comes to tackling speeding, and I would strongly advise drivers to consider their behaviour when on the road to keep themselves and others safe.”
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