London Motorists Haven’t Escaped Big Brother Just Yet…
Whilst there have recently been reports of local councils dismantling speed cameras in a bid to slash costs, it looks as though motorists in London won’t be so lucky.
Scores of average speed cameras could soon appear in areas with speed limits of 20mph, and they could even take the place of speed bumps.
The subject of speed cameras always provokes extreme emotions, and these latest reports are certainly no exception. Since speed cameras were first introduced, many have accused them of being a money-making medium rather than a contribution to road safety.
If the average speed cameras are installed, many motorists fear that they will be under increasing surveillance, as car registrations captured would be stored centrally.
Those caught exceeding the 20mph limit would find themselves subject to a hefty fine, and the plans are already gathering pace, with four boroughs already pencilled in for a trial of the surveillance equipment.
If the trial proves to be a success, several hundred new speed cameras would add to nearly 800 cameras which are already in operation.
As usual, campaigners at Big Brother Watch were quick to comment on the plans, and a spokesperson said:
“Average speed cameras are just a new form of surveillance and now there’s nowhere you can escape their beady eye.
“ANPR cameras started off in the City as a response to the IRA bombings but have grown into a general traffic monitoring tool and the next step will be toll charging.”
If the cameras get the go ahead, there really will be nowhere to hide for London’s many motorists.