UK police forces are testing new unmarked speed camera vans, prompting a call for drivers to adhere strictly to speed limits. Road Angel, a provider of speed awareness technology, emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in maintaining legal speeds, regardless of enforcement tactics.
Currently being deployed in Northamptonshire, these covert speed vans could potentially be introduced nationwide if the trials prove successful. Unlike the traditional bright orange and yellow speed camera vans, these vehicles are covered in a discreet matte grey finish to avoid detection.
While many speed cameras are accompanied by warning signs, there is no legal obligation for police or local authorities to alert drivers about upcoming cameras. Advanced warnings serve more as a deterrent rather than a requirement.
Unmarked speed vans are designed to promote consistent safe driving, reducing the tendency of drivers to slow down only when they spot marked cameras. The introduction of these covert vans aims to address the increase in speeding-related incidents post-pandemic, with research showing that speeding contributes to one in four fatal collisions on UK roads.
Speed cameras have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing speeding and consequently lowering accident rates. Mobile camera sites have been shown to cut speeding by 18% and decrease high-speed incidents by 70% at fixed locations. Road Angel hopes that the potential expansion of these undercover vans will encourage drivers to be more mindful of their speed.
Drivers caught speeding will receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution within two weeks and a section 172 notice, requiring them to report the driver’s details within 28 days. Fines of £100 and three penalty points on the license may be imposed.
Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel, commented: “The deployment of these covert speed camera vans is a serious step towards reducing speeding on UK roads. Drivers should be aware that such vans could appear anywhere, and the best approach is to assume that all vans might be equipped with speed cameras.
This way, you avoid breaking the speed limit, prevent fines, and stay safe. For those needing additional assistance, technology is available to provide essential speed and safety alerts. While there’s still much work to be done to curb speeding and its resulting fatalities, these new vans are expected to make drivers reconsider their speed and drive more cautiously.”