Graham Walker Calls For Ban on SPECS speed Cameras
Road traffic lawyer Graham Walker spoke out today about the latest controversy over the SPECS average speed camera detection system.
He claimed that since people are becoming aware that they can avoid speed detection prosecution by “lane hopping” the chances are that accidents will be increased.
He said “Ironically whilst taking my legal staff on a trip to the GATSO factory in the Netherlands we witnessed a road accident on the M77 heading for Prestwick airport. We all speculated as to whether a driver had been trying to avoid speed detection by changing lane. “
Unlike the Gatso cameras which records a car as it passes, these cameras measure the average speed of a driver between two fixed points. As the driver passes one set of cameras he/she is aware that his/her speed is being recorded. If they choose not to slow down the speed will be detected by the time they cross the next camera position further along the road and they will receive a fixed penalty in the post. The idea is to catch the speeder who slams on his brakes before a camera then speeds off as soon as he is past it.
However Home Office guideline governing the use of the camera equipment, are only valid if a driver is recorded in the same lane at the start and finish of each section by a linked pair of cameras.
I am certain that the camera's manufacturers - Speed Check Services (SCS) - can confirm that drivers could escape prosecution by lane-hopping but would of course do all they can to discourage same. Clearly the Home Office need to re invest in testing
Graham Walker said “My understanding is that these camera systems cost around £180,000 to £800,000 a time to install. You have to seriously consider if that money could be better spent on safety as opposed to speed cameras ie Could young drivers be subsidised in receiving Advanced Pass Plus qualifications or could repeat offenders receive training in Speed Awareness?
He said clearly it is about time that voters called on Scottish politicians to spend their money wisely and ensure that Scotland's roads were safer places for us all to travel on. Walker claimed that simple road engineering and alternative signage could provide solutions whilst Accident Blackspots should the highest priority for new engineering solutions.
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