Transport chief orders all speed cameras in England to be painted yellow

One of Britain's largest motoring organisations, the AA, welcomed Saturday a government order for all speed trap cameras to be painted yellow to alert approaching drivers.

Government Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin ordered the move to demonstrate that roadside speed cameras are intended for road safety reasons and not as a money generator for the authorities.

Motorists have complained that grey or hidden cameras are too often used as a 'cash cow' to earn money by penalising drivers.

AA president Edmund King said: "This is a common sense move and something we have campaigned for. Our extensive surveys show that over 70percent of drivers accept the use of speed cameras and it is important that the level of trust and transparency is maintained.

"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."

Under the measure announced today every working speed camera on England's strategic road network will be yellow within a year.

It comes after government ministers ordered a review of speed camera policy on motorways earlier this year, with Highways England today confirming a plan to increase the visibility of all speed cameras on the extensive motorway network.

Transport Secretary McLoughlin said: "We are on the side of honest motorists. Cameras should be visible and used for safety rather than revenue raising. This move is about applying common sense to our roads. Speed cameras should make journeys safer rather than lead to dangerous braking. I'm delighted Highways England have agreed to meet our timetable to achieve this."

There are approximately 200 speed camera sites on England's motorways, some containing multiple cameras. Existing guidelines already make clear that where cameras are used on the strategic road network signs must be put up to alert drivers. This latest move will ensure maximum visibility of the cameras themselves.

Highways England chief executive Jim O'Sullivan said: "While we understand speed cameras are not popular, they play a valuable role in enhancing safety, smoothing traffic flow and reducing congestion for millions of motorists who use our roads."

The government has also taken action at a local level, with local authorities and police forces across England required to publish information on the impact on road safety of speed cameras in their areas.

Grey digital speed cameras - much more difficult to spot - were first introduced in 2006 as part of an active traffic management scheme on the M42. Endit