The Highways Agency is looking into installing 'stealth cameras' along key stretches of Britain's motorway network in order to catch drivers who break the 70mph speed limit.

The cameras will be painted grey rather than yellow and will therefore be harder – or impossible –for drivers to spot.

In the past, motorway speed cameras were generally used only where road works were being carried out - in order to ensure variable speed limits were adhered to.

The new cameras may be introduced in what the Highways Agency call stretches of 'smart motorway', where various methods are used to precisely control the speed of traffic, including use of the hard shoulder when necessary.

Prevention of jams and better traffic flow are being touted as the key benefits to these smart motorways.

Critics however are less enthusiastic about the new cameras, suggesting that the scheme has been designed to raise cash rather than road safety standards.

And if a recent Autocar magazine survey is true – in which 95 per cent of drivers admitted to breaching the motorway speed limit – then the Treasury could be set to make a lot of money.

As cars get greener and therefore attract ever-cheaper road tax bands, as well as UK motorists resisting further rises in petrol duty, some believe that the government is introducing another stealth tax – rather than a stealth camera network.

Critics also point out that if the cameras are concealed, they will have no impact on traffic speed.

However, a Highways Agency spokesman said the cameras would in fact be signposted.

As a vehicle recovery provider, here at startrescue.co.uk we are always keen to learn of new road safety measures, but what do you think of the proposals? Will they make our motorways safer? As ever, leave your thoughts below.