The government and the authorities have had serious criticism from UK drivers over the legality of many of their speed cameras
. The devices are intended as a 'deterrent' from speeding to improve road safety but many argue that they are simply designed to bring the government revenue. In the past year alone, speed cameras have generated over 100m in the UK.
There are a variety of vague boundaries in which many consider traffic police and councils to be taking liberties. There are many arguments against both fixed speed cameras and mobile units. There is also an argument that new digital systems cannot be trusted as they are not safe from tampering.
Superintendent Chamberlain was given a verbal warning by the officer that stopped her, but then a more senior officer disagreed with that decision and asked the Crown Prosecution Service to get involved and review the case.
The camera was converted even though official stats showed there had been only one serious injury and no fatalities in at least 11 years.
Mobile speed camera usage has risen drastically due to the flexibility and range of use they offer. Although there are many rules surrounding the placement and use of these cameras, there is much proof to suggest may traffic enforcers have been acting illegally.
A driver can be fined when caught speeding by a mobile camera but if they have no proof the camera was placed illegally; they have no claim to malpractice. Many activists have begun photographing mobile cameras to prove they are acting illegally, many websites offer thousands of images of camera vans parked on pavements with double yellow lines, hidden around bends, in the way of pedestrians and blocking entrances to properties.
The revenue generated by this one camera dwarfs the amount generated by other cameras, delivering evidence that something is seriously wrong with the setup .
This could mean that virtually every single speeding ticket issue in the UK since 1992 could be illegal and all evidence collected on the roads could be dismissed.