From Sky News -
Crackdown On Motorway Speeding
Drivers who go above 70mph on one of the country's busiest motorways are facing a police crackdown using speed cameras.Ususally motorists can go above the official speed limit on the motorway network unless it is significantly above the limit.But the soft approach to enforcing the law has come to an end on the M4 where between juntion 14 and 18 drivers exceeding the speed limit will face a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence for speeding by as little as nine mph.
Normal police patrols tend to only book people who drive at 85mph.
Cameras in marked vans will enforce the new policy in Wiltshire near Bath.
The Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership, which includes the police and county council, is behind the new measures.
Signs willl tell people they are entering a speed trap area.
A spokeswoman for the partnership said: "People aren't supposed to slow down just because they have seen a camers.
"They are supposed to slow down because it is the law."
Despite the increased speed on motorways they are actually safer than other roads.
There were nine crashes per 100 million vehicle kilometres travelled in 2003, compared to 76 on urban A roads.
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So nothing to do with safety then, just more money in the bank......
Crackdown On Motorway Speeding
Drivers who go above 70mph on one of the country's busiest motorways are facing a police crackdown using speed cameras.Ususally motorists can go above the official speed limit on the motorway network unless it is significantly above the limit.But the soft approach to enforcing the law has come to an end on the M4 where between juntion 14 and 18 drivers exceeding the speed limit will face a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence for speeding by as little as nine mph.
Normal police patrols tend to only book people who drive at 85mph.
Cameras in marked vans will enforce the new policy in Wiltshire near Bath.
The Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership, which includes the police and county council, is behind the new measures.
Signs willl tell people they are entering a speed trap area.
A spokeswoman for the partnership said: "People aren't supposed to slow down just because they have seen a camers.
"They are supposed to slow down because it is the law."
Despite the increased speed on motorways they are actually safer than other roads.
There were nine crashes per 100 million vehicle kilometres travelled in 2003, compared to 76 on urban A roads.
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So nothing to do with safety then, just more money in the bank......