§ Mr. Chope:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of speed cameras are in compliance with European standards of accuracy. [141545]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 2 December 2003]: From July 2003, in line with European standards, all new speed cameras will be required to be accurate to ±2 mph up to 66 mph and ±3 per cent. above 66 mph.
71WThis has not yet been implemented for existing cameras, but we consider that all cameras are in fact already accurate to this level.
Speed camera accuracy is enforced by the type approval system. In order for evidence from them to be used in Court proceedings, all speed cameras have to be of a type approved by the Secretary of State after rigorous testing against set specifications. Testing ensures that devices are robust, reliable and can produce accurate readings or images under a variety of extreme conditions. In addition all cameras are subjected to annual checks to ensure their continuing accuracy.