Britains Controversial Speed Camera

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Debate erupts over device which can reportedly catch up to 50 times as many drivers as conventional cameras.


A “super camera” capable of catching up to 50 times as many drivers as conventional traffic cameras is causing uproar from motorists and road associations in the UK.

Unveiled as the latest weapon against driving offenders, the new device – called the ZenGrab Lane Watch system - is reportedly being snapped up by councils across the country.

But authorities in Australia have no plans for trialling the cameras locally.Britain’s Daily Mail is reporting the cameras, which cost about £17,000 ($29,000) each, feature two lenses and a night vision function and detect a wider range of offences on the road, including drivers who make illegal U-turns or illegally wander into bus lanes.
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In a recent trial, one new camera detected more than 1000 offences on a stretch of road over two weeks, compared with 271 offenders caught using the older style of camera over a similar stretch during a 12-month period.

The new cameras coincide with expected changes to British traffic laws. British MP Norman Baker has suggested that all councils should have the power to fine drivers for passing no-entry signs or making illegal U-turns or right turns. He has called for a wider enforcement of sanctions which already exist accross London councils.

But motoring organisations have expressed their concerns.

Paul Watters from the Automobile Association told the Daily Mail: “sticking up cameras to enforce every minor contravention is bordering on the immoral”.

A Transport for NSW spokesman said there was no plans to introduce the camera technology to NSW.

“The device discussed is … primarily used for bus lane enforcement, automatic numberplate recognition and a variety of moving violations that apply to the UK such as illegal left or right turns, stopping in box junctions and monitoring locations where vehicles are not allowed to stop on motorways,” the spokesman said. “The camera’s primary application does not relate to speed or red light enforcement.”

“While emerging technology is always under review by RMS for its potential application for road safety and traffic management applications, there is no plan to deploy this specific technology for enforcement applications in NSW.”
http://brisbanetimes.drive.com.au/mo...925-2udam.html
My comment "Of course they will come here, I wish govco would stop treating motorists as idiots"