Speed cameras on the M25 have not been operating for a year, it has emerged. A survey conducted by the AOL website hoped to find out which stretch of the M25 is most lucrative for traffic enforcement agencies – namely the Highways Agency who owns them and the police who enforce them. But instead the website discovered that the cameras had been off for a year, due to technical and legal difficulties.
The M25, which is one of Europe’s busiest stretches of motorway, has had 36 new digital cameras installed, but the Highways Agency has not yet received statutory authority to use them in certain counties which the motorway passes through. Authority to use the previous generation of cameras does not stand legally; new authority must be sought for the upgraded devices.
The first of these cameras were in fact installed in 2009, a fact that has fanned the flames of condemnation from safety groups. Additionally, technical problems have dogged the cameras’ introduction. Devices in Surrey, Hertfordshire and Essex have not even reached the testing phase yet.
A spokesman for the Highways Agency was unable to say how much the new network of cameras cost, nor when they would come into service.
Jim Fitzpatrick, Labour’s road safety spokesman, was unimpressed by the revelation, which he described as “unbelievable,” before continuing, “The M25 is already used as a racetrack by a number of reckless drivers. If there is one place where we need working cameras it is on that stretch of motorway.”
Police patrols, however, still help to enforce speed limits.
The story is a reminder to motorists of how important it is to keep to the speed limit, which both makes for a safer driving experience and reduces wear and tear on your car. As a piece of vehicle breakdown cover advice, it is important to bear in mind.
Breakdown Cover from 
