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New speed cameras have already caught 700 drivers in a month and now news has emerged that the Highways Agency is intending to deploy more of these 'stealth' speed cameras on Britain's busiest motorways in a bid to reduce people's speed and improve traffic flow.
The new grey traffic devices are harder to spot than the current bright yellow speed cameras, despite being twice their size. It is thought that this will ensure better control over drivers' speed, especially during peak times on the busiest stretches of motorway.
According to recent studies, around 95 per cent of drivers go over the speed limit on the motorway – and admit to doing so. Soon the new speed cameras will be present on the M1, M4, M5 and M6 as well as on a further 15 motorways.
These 'stealth' cameras will be able to enforce variable speed limits during times of congestion, improving drivers' journey times, easing traffic flow and ensuring that drivers and passengers remain safe.
A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: "Camera based enforcement provides a safer alternative to stopping drivers on the hard shoulder for this type of offence. Discussions are continuing on the precise details of enforcement with safety camera partnerships."
Despite drivers facing hefty fines if caught by the new cameras, the Association of Chief Police Officers has advised that charges should only be enforced if a driver exceeds 79mph when driving in a 70mph zone.