UK to paint its speed cameras yellow

All British motorway speed cameras will be painted yellow from October 2016.

The UK government's transport department announced the move earlier this week, to make freeway speed cameras more visible to drivers, following a ministerial review of speed camera policy on motorways earlier this year.

All 200 speed cameras on England's Strategic Road Network will be yellow within a year, marking a significant change to the existing policy established in 2006 with the introduction of grey speed cameras on the M42 as part of an active traffic management scheme.

"We are on the side of honest motorists," said Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin. "I've always been clear that cameras should be visible and get used for safety rather than revenue raising.

"This move is about applying common sense to our roads. Speed cameras should make journeys safer rather than lead to dangerous braking. I'm delighted Highways England have agreed to meet our timetable to achieve this."

The change of policy was welcomed by motoring organisations including the 110-year-old Automobile Association.

"This is a common sense move and something we have campaigned for," said AA president Edmund King.

"Our extensive AA/Populus surveys show that over 70 per cent of drivers accept the use of speed cameras and it is important that the level of trust and transparency is maintained.

"Cameras are most effective when drivers slow down and being visible should make them more effective. Motorways are our safest roads and having visible cameras should show that the intention is to slow traffic and safe lives rather than generate cash. Drivers will be delighted by this move."

Pete Williams, RAC head of external affairs, said: "The government's reassurance that all motorway speed cameras will be painted yellow by October 2016 is long overdue and brings a welcome degree of consistency, which will ensure that the road safety benefits of the varied types of cameras are maximised.

"Yellow speed cameras at the roadside are a familiar feature on the UK road network, both loved and loathed by motorists and road users in equal measure.

"But the proliferation of grey, unmarked motorway gantry cameras has led to confusion for many and accusations that they were there to catch out unsuspecting motorists and to raise revenue rather than improve road safety.

"Clear identification will ensure that the authorities maintain the trust of drivers and dispel any 'money raising' suspicions."

Separately, the UK transport department has also acted to require local authorities and the police to publish information on the impact of speed cameras on road safety, so that they can be held accountable.

Guidance for local authorities on speed cameras states that fixed speed cameras located in lit freeways or streets should be either coloured yellow or covered in reflective sheeting. In areas not covered by street or highway lighting, speed camera housings should be treated with yellow reflective sheeting.

The news follows plans announced earlier this month to fine drivers for travelling at speed as little as 1mph above the posted limit on a stretch of the M1.

Speaking to the Home Affairs Select Committee last month, Martins said proposals to slash £20 million from the force's £100 million budget left Bedfordshire Police in a "desperate financial plight".

The proposal by Bedfordshire Police to permanently switch on cameras on the M1 attracted criticism from one of the UK's most senior police officers, who said the plan was "fundamentally wrong" and risks a complete breakdown of the public's relationship with the police.

"The purpose of the police is to protect the public and combat crime, not to give out fines. It will alienate the public. It's a really bad idea," said College of Policing chief Constable Alex Marshall.

"Case studies in America show that some forces which use funding from traffic violations to fund their force – Ferguson is one – can lead to a complete breakdown in police community relations."

Located between junctions 10 and 13 on the M1, the cameras are linked to variable limits and can be reduced below 70mph for safety reasons, but are currently only active when speed restrictions are in place.

In Australia, speed cameras can lead to fines for drivers travelling just 3km/h over the limit, and fixed cameras are frequently concealed on freeway overpasses and bridges using camouflaging paint, while mobile cameras have been tested in wheelie bins and roadside shrubbery.