UK:Are new speed cameras ethical?

[elbandido2003]

Speed cameras are always the subject of controversy – generally viewed as a necessary weapon in the battle against dangerous motoring, or as a financial money trap aimed at boosting the coffers.

Now it seems the latest breed of cameras will fuel controversy yet further.

Firstly, they are sneakier than ever – they look like steel posts and will be difficult for most motorists to spot. What’s more is that they will catch speeding motorists without even flashing. This means that many drivers going too fast will not even realise they are about to be snapped until it’s too late and they get a fine in the post.

Nicknamed “Supertrap”, they could potentially cover ALL motorway lanes at once and can even tell the difference between cars and lorries.

Motoring magazine Auto Plus has revealed that the French government intends to introduce the cameras within a year – and the UK is likely to follow within months.

Unsurprisingly, the move has met with controversy with many analysts suggesting that the cameras focus on catching speeding drivers rather than slowing traffic and potentially saving lives.

According to an RAC spokesman, the positioning of the cameras should be based on evidence they will save lives rather than to “balance the books for politicians by imposing yet more fines”.

The Highways Agency has also announced that it will also spend £58million on cameras to trap drivers that illegally use the hard shoulder.

We want to know your opinion on the new Supertraps? Are they ethical? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.

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