Chief Constable: Bring back hidden speed cameras
Med Hughes, Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police and head of roads
policing at the Association of Chief Police Officers, has hinted that
hidden speed cameras could return to UK roads.
If his proposals were adopted, the conspicuous yellow speed camera would be replaced with more covert devices.
Hughes has also called for the abandonment of signs that inform drivers they are entering a mobile speed camera area.
He believes these measures would cut the number of speeding drivers and the number of fatalities on Britains road that he feels isnt falling fast enough.
Hughes told The Times newspaper: “I have always thought it strange that speed cameras were so easily identified.
We need to think about whether greater compliance will be delivered by using technology in a less conspicuous way. I might put up Neighbourhood Watch signs, but I don`t tell burglars when I am specifically running an anti-crime operation.”
The Government in 2001 introduced the speed camera warning signs, but the move did split road-safety campaigners.
In his interview with The Times, Hughes also made a number of other suggestions to reduce the instances of accidents on Britains roads.
He stated: “Reducing the drink-drive limit from 80mg to 50mg would make a valuable public statement that it`s impossible to have even one drink and be certain you would pass a breathalyser test.”
Turning to the problems associated with younger drivers he said: “We should be teaching 10 and 11-year-olds about their responsibilities when driving a car, not just how to be a safe pedestrian or cyclist.”
So far, road-safety groups and Government alike have yet to comment on his proposals.