The government has ordered that every working speed camera on the UK’s roads must be painted yellow to increase their visibility.
Following a ministerial review of speed camera policy on motorways earlier this year, Highways England has confirmed its plan to refinish each and every camera to fit standards within a year.
According to Highways England’s review, the aim of speed cameras should be to increase safety on the roads rather than to punish drivers, and therefore should be visible to motorists.
Last year, a new generation of Hadecs3 speed cameras were introduced across the country, and which were mounted discreetly on poles and painted grey to make them more difficult to spot.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “I’ve always been clear that cameras should be visible and get used for safety rather than revenue raising.
“Speed cameras should make journeys safer rather than lead to dangerous braking. I’m delighted Highways England has agreed to meet our timetable to achieve this.”
According to the government, there are approximately 200 camera sites in total throughout the English motorway network, some of which contain multiple cameras.
Guidelines already exist to make it clear that drivers must be warned of impending speed cameras via signage, but this latest move will ensure maximum visibility for the cameras themselves.
The majority of the repaints will take place during scheduled maintenance throughout the course of the next year in an effort to minimise costs, and the impact of the colour change will be monitored.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “This is a common sense move and something we have campaigned for. Cameras are most effective when drivers slow down and being visible should make them more effective.
“Motorways are our safest roads and having visible cameras should show that the intention is to slow traffic and safe lives rather than generate cash. Drivers will be delighted by this move.”
Local authorities have also been ordered to publish information on the impact of speed cameras on road safety, so that they can be held accountable on a local level as well.
Like motorway cameras, local speed cameras must also be painted yellow, while cameras in areas not covered by street or highway lighting should be treated with retro-reflective sheeting.
