A new speed camera, which can see whether a driver is wearing a seatbelt, could become a regular fixture on UK roads within three years.
The new Asset camera can see inside vehicles to check whether the driver is strapped in, as well as being able to see whether the car is tailgating, speeding or is untaxed or uninsured. The new camera is different to the fixed cameras seen on the nation’s roads at the present time as it is mobile and can be attached to a trailer or police car.
It is expected to cost £50,000 per unit if it goes into production following trials and has been given a cautious welcome by motoring groups, although campaign group speedcameras.org said its effectiveness may be limited. It said: “It's a pity that the main actions that cause the most accidents, namely not paying attention to the road, misjudging distances and other drivers' intentions, cannot be detected by a device of any sort. More police patrols and better driver education are the only ways to reduce accidents.”