Would you prefer to pay the fine + demerit points or be shamed like what they are planning to do in the UK?
The Times August 04, 2006
Speed camera that tells you off but doesn't take away your cash
By Ben Webster, Transport Correspondent
SPEED cameras are to be replaced at roadworks with devices that shame drivers into slowing down by displaying their numberplates on a roadside screen.
Trials on the M42 near Birmingham found the devices were more effective than speed cameras at making drivers comply with the limit, even though no penalties were issued.
A laser measures the speed of each approaching vehicle and, if it is breaking the limit, triggers an automatic numberplate recognition camera. Within half a second, the numberplate appears in bright lights on a screen, with a flashing message telling the driver to slow down.
The device was tested on a stretch of the motorway where the limit had been temporarily reduced to 50 mph because of roadworks. Half of the vehicles travelling at more than 55mph slowed down to close to the speed limit, including two thirds of those exceeding 60mph.
By contrast, newly installed speed cameras reduce speeding by less than a third (31 per cent), according to the Department for Transport. The device also had a longer lasting effect on driver behaviour than a speed camera.
While many drivers speed up again a short distance after passing a camera, in the trials hardly any drivers accelerated back over the limit after having their numberplate displayed.
Temporary cameras at roadworks frequently generate thousands of fines, suggesting that they have limited success in persuading drivers to slow down.
Last month South Yorkshire Police reported that a camera at roadworks on the M1 had resulted in more than 1,000 penalties being issued in four days.
Atkins, the company that manages the M42 on behalf of the Highways Agency and conducted the trials, said that the devices would help to reverse the rise in roadworker deaths on motorways and A roads. Last year, five roadworkers were killed and 12 were seriously injured. Richard Deacon, director of Atkins, said: “The device appears to prick people’s consciences in a way that cameras do not.
“Rather than simply punishing drivers with a £60 fine and three points, this appeals to their better nature. People tend not to like being shown up for behaviour which puts others in danger.”
He said that the device cost about half the £30,000 price of a Gatso, the most commonly used speed camera. It can also be set up in minutes to protect emergency roadworks, without the need to paint white lines on the road to check speed measurements.
A similar device was tested in the 1990s but proved unreliable, partly because it used radar to measure speed rather than a laser. Mr Deacon said that the Atkins device gave a precise reading of a vehicle’s speed, but it would not be displayed on the screen in case it encouraged drivers to show off.
“We don’t want to attract thrill-seekers who might deliberately attempt to trigger the device at high speeds.” Initially, no records will be kept of the vehicles that break the limit. But Mr Deacon said drivers who persistently ignored the message to slow down could be sent a warning letter.
He said the device would be switched on only when workers were on site. Atkins hopes that this will encourage more respect for temporary limits among drivers who complain about being told to slow down for roadworks only to find no sign of activity. Mr Deacon said the device could also be used outside schools and be switched on when children were arriving and leaving.
A Highways Agency spokesman said: “We support this alternative to speed cameras because it encourages people to change their behaviour. It’s a softer message rather than hitting them with a fine.”
The Times August 04, 2006
Speed camera that tells you off but doesn't take away your cash
By Ben Webster, Transport Correspondent
SPEED cameras are to be replaced at roadworks with devices that shame drivers into slowing down by displaying their numberplates on a roadside screen.
Trials on the M42 near Birmingham found the devices were more effective than speed cameras at making drivers comply with the limit, even though no penalties were issued.
A laser measures the speed of each approaching vehicle and, if it is breaking the limit, triggers an automatic numberplate recognition camera. Within half a second, the numberplate appears in bright lights on a screen, with a flashing message telling the driver to slow down.
The device was tested on a stretch of the motorway where the limit had been temporarily reduced to 50 mph because of roadworks. Half of the vehicles travelling at more than 55mph slowed down to close to the speed limit, including two thirds of those exceeding 60mph.
By contrast, newly installed speed cameras reduce speeding by less than a third (31 per cent), according to the Department for Transport. The device also had a longer lasting effect on driver behaviour than a speed camera.
While many drivers speed up again a short distance after passing a camera, in the trials hardly any drivers accelerated back over the limit after having their numberplate displayed.
Temporary cameras at roadworks frequently generate thousands of fines, suggesting that they have limited success in persuading drivers to slow down.
Last month South Yorkshire Police reported that a camera at roadworks on the M1 had resulted in more than 1,000 penalties being issued in four days.
Atkins, the company that manages the M42 on behalf of the Highways Agency and conducted the trials, said that the devices would help to reverse the rise in roadworker deaths on motorways and A roads. Last year, five roadworkers were killed and 12 were seriously injured. Richard Deacon, director of Atkins, said: “The device appears to prick people’s consciences in a way that cameras do not.
“Rather than simply punishing drivers with a £60 fine and three points, this appeals to their better nature. People tend not to like being shown up for behaviour which puts others in danger.”
He said that the device cost about half the £30,000 price of a Gatso, the most commonly used speed camera. It can also be set up in minutes to protect emergency roadworks, without the need to paint white lines on the road to check speed measurements.
A similar device was tested in the 1990s but proved unreliable, partly because it used radar to measure speed rather than a laser. Mr Deacon said that the Atkins device gave a precise reading of a vehicle’s speed, but it would not be displayed on the screen in case it encouraged drivers to show off.
“We don’t want to attract thrill-seekers who might deliberately attempt to trigger the device at high speeds.” Initially, no records will be kept of the vehicles that break the limit. But Mr Deacon said drivers who persistently ignored the message to slow down could be sent a warning letter.
He said the device would be switched on only when workers were on site. Atkins hopes that this will encourage more respect for temporary limits among drivers who complain about being told to slow down for roadworks only to find no sign of activity. Mr Deacon said the device could also be used outside schools and be switched on when children were arriving and leaving.
A Highways Agency spokesman said: “We support this alternative to speed cameras because it encourages people to change their behaviour. It’s a softer message rather than hitting them with a fine.”
