Gatso

[Whiternoise]

This isn't a dig at the OP btw, same topic - different issue

Can someone just clarify to me again why people feel the need to know when there's a speed camera around?

I don't really understand the culture of "oho my gps tells me there's a camera coming up, better slow down". I'd rather they were all stealthed up to the hilt to be honest. I mean you're not supposed to be speeding so why should you care if there's a speed camera there? Motorways are full of them and people never said "we should paint them yellow". The reason given on some websites is "i already have points on my license, i don't want any more". That's a stupid argument imo, it's like saying, i already broke the law once, i need to know where the cameras are so i don't do it again. Surely that's just encouarging sloppy driving? What happens if GPS fails, you speed, expecting to hear when the camera fails - what have you learnt? Nothing.

The main benefit being advanced warnings of speed cameras in the road ahead and avoiding points, fines and potential loss of a driving licence. In addition GPS based systems also provide the driver with spoken voice alerts and speed limits at camera sites. So if driving in an unfamiliar area the driver knows what speed his vehicle needs to be doing to drive within the law and avoid a speeding conviction.

Again, how exactly is that an argument? It's like getting a detector that tells you if a house has a burglar alarm so you know not to break into it..

Swindon appears to have given up, as noted on Top Gear, we've just got lots of the flashing "you're doing over 30, slow down" ones.

[MadduckUK]

are you playing dumb or is this rhetorical?

[finlay666]

Personally I want to know as sometimes the speed limit is so poorly presented you could easily be caught out

For instance on one stretch of road there are 3 (yes 3) speed cameras, all face one direction, 2 are in a 40mph zone, the other is right at the start of the 30 zone (as in you see the 30 signs and the markings start after it) and the 30 sign is small and difficult to see unless you already knew.

And I don't want the gov getting any more of my money untill they can learn to spend what they have properly instead of wasting it on excessive wages and benefits for politicians etc.

[Whiternoise]

But then surely the correct action to take would be to improve the signage rather than waste money making speed cameras more visible?

(Especially since a speed camera doesn't actually tell you the speed limit iirc)

[jamin]

This is my situation, I work call out 1 in every 4 weeks, generally late at night in London mostly but also around the counties intersected by the M25. I find that my speed can creep up when I drive at night in little traffic as normal daytime traffic tends to flow at close to the speed limit (gernerally) and keeps to the limit when passing a camera and is a natural restriction to a careful driver.

Having a sat nav that reminds me to keep to the linit means that I can concentrate on driving rather than looking for cameras. When you are tired/stressed/hungry removing another potential distraction is a big help. I have found I am actually less likely to break the speed limit now thanks to my tomtom.

Don't get me wrong, I don't rely on the warnings as 100% accurate, but they help.

[simonfitba]

I thought you couldn't get caught head on due to a privacy law.

[jamin]

No mate, AFAIK it makes it closes the "but i don't know who was driving" defense that i guess must be quite common.