§ Mr. Peter GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations have been made to his Department regarding the safety hazard to oncoming 133W drivers of the flashing lights associated with speed recording cameras when used on single carriageways, with particular reference to the A3 between Wandsworth and the underpass leading to the dual carriageway to the south and west. [24138]
§ Mr. NorrisI have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Peter Griffiths, dated 2 April 1996:
The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your recent question about the hazard to oncoming drivers of the flashing lights associated with speed recording cameras on single carriageways, and especially with reference to the camera positioned on the A3 between the Tibbets Corner underpass and Roehampton Lane.No representations have been received about the safety hazards to oncoming drivers from the speed recording camera's flashing light at this particular location.A speed camera takes two shots of the rear of a vehicle if it is travelling faster than a set speed. On a single carriageway road the camera will be pointing downwards towards the nearside. Oncoming traffic will be aware of the flashes but drivers should not be blinded, even if they are looking directly into the camera because of the downward direction of the light beam and because the brightness of the beam breaks down rapidly on either side of the focus. When selecting sites for speed cameras and when positioning them, one of the main factors under consideration is the possibility that oncoming drivers may be blinded. All steps are taken to make sure that this does not happen.You will wish to know that I have arranged for this camera to be inspected to ensure that it is working properly.