The end for sneaky speed traps

The Government has banned cops from using covert cameras and hidden officers to catch speeding motorists.

Transport minister John Spellar has told chief police officers that from next week that Gatsos must be in plain view, all officers on mobile camera duty must wear high-visibility day glow bibs and that all manned camera units must be sited in the open in marked police vehicles.

New Gatsos will only be permitted on roads which are proven accident blackspots and signs which warn of phantom cameras will be banned.

The Government is keen to avoid the charge that the cameras are merely revenue-generating devices.

Spellar said; ” We are not in the business of persecuting Britain’s motorists. Speed cameras have an important role to play, but must be used to prevent accidents

All speed cameras must be painted bright yellow and clearly visible to drivers 60 metres away in 40mph limits and from 100 metres in all other speed limits.

However, it’s not all good news; police forces and local councils around the UK already plan to add another 3000 cameras to the 5000 already in place.