Forum Topic

Mobile speed cameras in 20mph areas

I was delighted to see that TfL is launching a new initiative to stop speeding in 20mph areas (https://www.intelligenttransport.com/transport-news/136067/tfl-new-mobile-safety-cameras/), by setting up mobile speed cameras, but it's disappointing that there are only five of them: a hundred and five would seem more appropriate, given that speeding is so widespread.

Incidentally, some petrolheads have been frothing at the mouth in Plymouth when a speed camera there caught over a thousand speeders in its first day of operation (https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1614866/driving-law-changes-new-20-mph-speed-limits-angry-reaction): "nasty and corrupt," one commented (catching criminals is corrupt now??) and there was the inevitable "tax on the motorist" bleat. Well, it is a form of tax I suppose, but a tax on the stupid. If you don't want a fine, keep to the legal limit, it's really not that hard to understand.

Richard Carter ● 1432d18 Comments

That's an interesting read Ed.  Please bother to read it everyone. More discussion and understanding is needed on this. We already know that we see all these delivery scooters (not the small e-scooters) with 'L' plates and not without them and they have very little compulsory training and no test before they are allowed on the road to practice further.  There are pros and cons of deliveries and employment.  Employment conditions and pay need more investigation because time promises can be involved as a part of marketing and employment.  We don't always need everything immediately but do we care enough or at all  about other people's lives and families or is it just about ourselves and our own convenience?  Our lack of empathy can be and could be very short-sighted.Please remember that bikes are often allowed to travel sgainst the car van snd lorry traffic in one way systems.  You need to always look both ways before crossing roads.  Cars also reverse and many can't see much when they do this even when they do look!  Take care everyone.

Philippa Bond ● 1429d

I’ve no idea Freddie, it’s almost as if they have some invisibility cloak and only certain people can see them.Accidents seem to be a real concernhttps://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/home-deliveries-blamed-worrying-number-100218223.htmlComing back to the subject. Cameras are not needed to detect speeding buses either. Still too many speeding which TFL are directly or indirectly responsible for. Buses are extremely heavy vehicles, it would seem logical for TFL to put its own house in order. Perhaps buses have larger invisibility cloaks?

Ed Robinson ● 1430d

Why would they not?

Freddie Francis ● 1430d

If they wanted too that is.Of course you do not need speed cameras to stop motorcycles whizzing through the no entry barriers, on pavements or the wrong way on one way roads.So my guess is no.

Ed Robinson ● 1430d

They record rear plates so of course they do.

Freddie Francis ● 1430d

Just wondered whether speed cameras are designed to catch  speeding Motorcyclists also, the deliveroo bikers speed up my Road as soon as they turn off PHS

Penelope Becker ● 1430d

It's just so anti-social to speed.  It makes it more dangerous for all those families wanting and needing to maintain a healthy active lifestyle. You'd think from the way that some of those who drive or cycle whizz around corners at speed that they could actually see around them.  They can't.  They are in charge of a dangerous weapon.  The Highway Code is available at the library, online and to buy in bookshops.

Philippa Bond ● 1430d

No. It’s just like having a satnav that alerts you to going over the speed limit. A limiter that takes over your controls is a different matter.

Freddie Francis ● 1431d

Yes, but if one's trying to avoid a fine and points unwise?

Michael Ixer ● 1431d

They can be switched off.

Freddie Francis ● 1431d

Help may be on the way.Mandatory speed limiters.https://www.evo.co.uk/news/22326/mandatory-speed-limiters-to-be-fitted-to-all-new-uk-cars-after-2022

David Ainsworth ● 1431d

One of the main problems we have here on Putney Heath is that there is not an ounce of enforcement of the 20 m/h speed limit.  The Council has told us that they  cannot do anything about it until there is a fatality. Thus far, none of us are willing to volunteer...........

Ivonne Holliday ● 1431d

"It's a money trap."But only for the stupid.  As Philippa  has pointed out, keep within the speed limit and you get don't get fined. It's really not too difficult!

Richard Carter ● 1431d

I don't think anyone has been suggesting 20mph speed limits on trunk roads, Barbara. The 20mph limit is to reduce deaths and injuries in cities and towns. Mind you, they probably give prizes for achieving 20mph in Putney High Street ...

Michael Ixer ● 1431d

Try getting to Cornwall at 20 mph. Some people drive so slow not sure if they have actually stopped. People who like the 20 mph speed limit must have a slow brain that doesn't work properly.

Barbara Stevens ● 1431d

Only if the signs are obscured.  If you dpn't pay attention when driving and decide to ignore them you are breaking the law.

Philippa Bond ● 1431d

As I said previously 20 is great on Side Roads but NOT on Main Roads it’s a Money Trap!

Vic Condon ● 1431d

About time!  There are some really arrogant motorists who don't think that road signs apply to them.  The Highway Code is available online, at libraries and in bookshops.

Philippa Bond ● 1431d