British motorists will be monitored by a wave of new digital average speed cameras from next year, after successful trials in London.Current average speed cameras work using cables, meaning that speed is simply measured between two cameras. The new digital technology can link up to 50 cameras, allowing them to monitor areas up to 15 miles apart using the number plate recognition technology already in use. It is expected to approved by the Home Office in January 2009, with installation beginning in the summer.Transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick said, “The latest cameras will give a more sophisticated edge to cameras than the blunt instrument we have at the moment. Wherever there are average speed cameras, traffic moves at a uniform speed and crashes are reduced.”Digital technology is also effective as it allows an unlimited number of photos to be stored. The new system will typically cost around £300,000 per network.
