Grey speed cameras will be phased out on England’s strategic road network in favour of more easily visible yellow ones within the next year, the Government has announced.

This follows a review of speed camera policy on motorways by Highways England.

Existing guidelines already make clear that where cameras are used on the strategic road network signs must be put up to alert drivers. But these new measures are intended to ensure maximum visibility of the cameras themselves.

“I’m delighted Highways England has agreed to meet our timetable to achieve this,” said Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin. “This move is about applying common sense to our roads. Speed cameras should make journeys safer rather than lead to dangerous braking.”

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) head of road safety Kevin Clinton added: “The purpose of safety cameras is to discourage drivers from exceeding speed limits, therefore, RoSPA supports the move to ensure that they are clearly visible.

“This also makes it harder for people who do break speed limits to argue that they are being treated unfairly,” he added.

Highways England said the majority of colour changes will take place during a standard renewal of speed camera units. Cameras not due to be upgraded within this time frame will be made yellow. The strategic road network operator will be monitoring its 200 camera sites to address any impact the change in colour has for drivers.

Motoring group the AA’s president Edmund King said: “Motorways are our safest roads and having visible cameras should show that the intention is to slow traffic and save lives rather than generate cash. Drivers will be delighted by this move.”

But a spokesperson for road safety charity Brake said: “We urge drivers to stick within the limits at all times, not just when they think they might be caught by a camera. If you stay within the law and don’t break the limit, the colour of the camera will not be relevant.”

Photo: Department for Transport