UK: Cheap speed camera costly for motorists

A new type of cheap speed camera could see the number of cameras on the UK's roads soar. The Home Office is currently deciding whether to approve a new form of average speed camera and motoring groups are concerned that a positive ruling for the new Spike system could see the number of speed cameras rise dramatically. Unlike gatsos, which are the sort of speed cameras most commonly encountered by drivers, the Spike measures a vehicle's speed over a designated stretch of the road – meaning speeding motorists cannot escape a fine by breaking dangerously at the last minute. Average speed cameras, known as Specs, already exist, but the current model is extremely expensive, meaning few safety camera partnerships have been willing to install them and only 14 are reportedly in operation across the country. Costing just £20,000, it is expected that many partnerships will move to install Spikes if they are granted Home Office approval, encouraged by their manufacturer's claims that they can work for 24-hours and perform well in all weather conditions.