Speed cameras are extensively used by Police or Traffic law enforcement authorities to monitor the vehicles and to detect over speeding. The main aim is to deter people from exceeding speed limits stipulated by the authorities. The system is found very effective to discourage over speeding and thus to reduce the rate of accidents and road fatalities. Speed cameras will be installed on the roads. It can be either visible to the drivers or camouflaged in order to detect violations of speed regulations. Those who violate the rules will be hauled up and penalties are imposed on them. The drivers will be cautious to maintain the speed limits if they are aware of the speed cameras. However, in certain locations speed cameras will be installed, hidden from the view of the drivers to check speed violations.

The introduction of speed camera sensors in the market and their extensive use by the driving public has reduced the number of traffic rule violations. The device installed in the cars will be able to sense the existence of speed cameras well in advance to caution the drivers, who in turn can be alert. In a way speed camera sensors are helpful to deter drivers from over speeding. Use of speed camera sensors is not illegal for the above reason.

There are apprehensions among the people about the reliability of speed cameras. These devices are based on infra red light emissions. The beams of light will be focused on the number plate of the vehicles and will reflect back to the camera. Identification of the vehicle and exact speed at which it was driven at the time of recording will be provided by the device. Several studies were conducted by individuals and independent agencies to assess the reliability of speed cameras. General opinion is that speed cameras have helped to reduce number of road accidents. It is also found that installation of speed cameras have effectively checked over speeding and helped to create awareness about road safety.

The critics who do not appreciate the system are of the opinion that many of the cameras are not fool proof. Erroneous readings are very common. In a particular case, driver who was hauled up and fined challenged the conviction. The appeal was allowed and conviction was declared null and void, on the ground that data provided by the particular speed camera was erroneous. Such instances may be isolated ones, but that is enough for many consumers to question the reliability of system as a whole. Many motorists challenge the genuiness of studies or researches which concluded that the speed cameras could achieve substantial success in preventing accidents and reducing fatalities. They also question the moral turpitude involved in the act of installation of hidden cameras.

It is quite natural that such debates will happen in a democratic society. However, the use of speed cameras is welcomed by public in general, especially pedestrian road users.

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