Police reject M25 camera call
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• Police have rejected calls to tighten up speed camera operations which may be snaring innocent drivers on the M25.
The Highways Agency has just completed a 12month speed camera scheme between Junctions 10 and 15 which cuts speed limits automatically when sensors detect congestion. The police can override the system to reduce speed limits in an emergency, but last week magistrates in Staines threw out a speeding case when Surrey police failed to produce evidence showing why they had dropped the limit.
About 200,000 vehicles, including 40,000 trucks, use the section every day and the AA has challenged the police to record details of the accident or incident which caused the speed limit to be cut, and when it was raised again. The association is also seeking assurances that limits are restored as quickly as possible.
The Freight Transport Association has welcomed the introduction of variable speed limits, but shares the AA's reservations.