Multi-Directional Speed Cameras: Coming Soon To A Road Near You
Gone are the days when speed cameras could only capture vehicles travelling in one direction. New multi-direction speed cameras, currently being trialled in Devon and Cornwall, have the capability to detect speeding motorists travelling in both directions.
According to Cornwall Live, the pilot scheme saw four of the cameras installed in locations across Devon and Cornwall. 3,280 drivers were issued tickets in only two weeks. One of the cameras was activated about 120 times per day in the first two weeks, while another detected a driver travelling at 73mph on a 30mph road.
Image Credit: Vision Zero South West
The number of tickets issued shows just how effective these cameras are. It means that there's nowhere to hide for those who flout the speed limits. With their advanced technology, these cameras promise to be a game-changer in enforcing road safety regulations.
Implications for the Taxi and Private Hire Trade
As professional drivers, sticking to the speed limit shouldn’t be a cause for concern. However, every person on the road can make mistakes. The more time you spend on the road, the higher the chances that you’ll be caught out when making an error.
For taxi and private hire drivers, maintaining a clean driving record is not just a matter of personal pride; it's a professional necessity.
Although these cameras haven’t been rolled out on a national level yet, the success of the trial suggests that it's only a matter of time.
Change, especially one that can have significant professional implications, can be daunting. However, it's essential for taxi and private hire drivers to adapt:
Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Being aware of where these cameras are located can help drivers stay vigilant and adhere to speed limits.
Embrace Technology: Many modern vehicles come equipped with in-car alerts for known camera locations. Additionally, real-time speed monitoring can be a valuable tool for drivers to ensure they're within the speed limit.
Training and Awareness: Taxi and private hire companies can play a pivotal role by offering training sessions and creating awareness about the new cameras and the importance of adhering to speed limits.
Risks for Drivers
When these cameras are rolled out at a national level, they can pose a significant risk to professional drivers. Speeding tickets can be a significant financial burden. But it doesn't stop there. Accumulated offences can lead to increased insurance premiums, making it even more costly for drivers.
On top of this, every speeding offence adds points to a driver's license. Accumulate enough, and drivers risk losing their professional licenses, a devastating blow for anyone in the taxi trade.
For taxi and private hire companies, having drivers frequently caught speeding can be a reputational risk. Customers want to feel safe, and consistent speeding offences can deter them from using a particular service.
The Broader Picture: Road Safety
While there are clearly risks for those who spend most of their working life on the road, these cameras are undoubtedly a good thing. Speeding has long been a significant contributor to road accidents. With the introduction of these advanced cameras, the hope is to deter drivers from speeding, making roads safer for everyone.
The general public, along with road safety advocates, have largely welcomed this initiative, seeing it as a step forward in reducing road accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users. Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel, commented on the success of the trial, and was optimistic about what it means for the future:
“Introducing these multi-directional speed cameras is a positive step forward in helping to reduce the number of accidents caused by motorists excessively speeding each year. By capturing vehicles travelling in both directions, the new cameras will be able to penalise many more motorists than the old legacy systems are currently able to.
“Although there is still a long way to go to stop motorists from driving above the limit, and reduce the number of fatalities and injuries that speeding causes, we hope that the new speed cameras will make all Brits think twice before putting their foot down.”“Not only will you be slapped with a hefty fine of up to £1,000, points on your licence and the potential to be disqualified from driving, you’re also seriously putting your own and other road user’s lives in serious danger.”