Motorway 'Stealth' Cameras Revealed

The Highways Agency has been doing some very sneaky things whilst installing our brand new ‘smart motorways’.

Those cameras highlighted above in red, are actually speed cameras dubbed ‘stealth cameras’ by some. These grey camouflaged Highways Agency Digital Enforcement Cameras (HADECS) are dotted at 46 locations around the M25. The only difference from urban cameras is there is no heads up warning of their presence.

Hugh Bladon, spokesman for the Alliance of British Drivers, said: “These ‘stealth cameras’ are just another way to kick motorists where it hurts – the pocket. It’s a constant battle between the authorities and motorists. The Highways Agency citing ‘operational reasons’ as is the usual excuse – they don’t want people to know where the cameras are so they get the money.

“If there are problems with people driving in a particular area, by all means put a camera in, but at the very least make it clear where they are.”

Other cameras have been fitted between junctions 5 for Sevenoaks and 7 for the M23 during a £129 million ‘smart motorway’ scheme with the hope to promote responsible driving. There have been two reported operational speed cameras – around a mile either side of Clacketts Lane.

A Highways Agency spokesman said: “There are no plans for changes in the way cameras are used on our motorways. Cameras are currently used to help smooth traffic flow and improve journey times on smart motorways by ensuring compliance of variable speed limits.

“All that is happening is that we are introducing new, more advanced cameras which do that better. Regardless of cameras, signed speed limits are enforceable. It is important that drivers understand that the onus is on them to ensure that they abide by speed limits.”