HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc773-4W
Mr. Greg Knight

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list details of the police forces currently using or currently intending to bring into use, electronic surface devices for the purpose of detecting, recording or indicating potential road traffic offences;

(2) what instruction or advice is given by his Department to chief constables before a new electronic road traffic device is brought into use;

(3) what criteria are used to determine whether an electronic device should be used by the police in relation to road offences;

(4) over what period, and in what manner, road surface devices, including 2002, have been subjected to tests for accuracy and reliability before being brought into use by the police; if he is satisfied with the thoroughness of such testing; and if he will make a statement;

(5) how many different types of electronic road surface device are currently in use, or being brought into use,, by the police in relation to the detection or indication of potential road traffic offences; what is the total cost thereof, including any development costs, to public funds; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hurd

Records are not kept centrally of police forces which hold electronic road surface devices. My right hon. and learned Friend has not issued any instructions or advice about the use of such devices, and accordingly it is for chief officers of police to decide whether and, if so, which devices should be used.

The 2002 system is designed to provide a cost-effective means of measuring and recording traffic flow and speeds over a specified period on a selected road. It is not intended to be used for evidential purposes, but to provide data to help the police and highway authorities in traffic policing and management.

The equipment was tested over a period of a year from June 1979. Traffic flow information was checked by observation and vehicle speed by various methods including calibrated speedometers in police vehicles. Home Office scientists were involved in the development and testing of the system at a total estimated cost of about £70,000.