Cambridge 2000: Histon Road
Histon Road: speed detector
In 2000 this was the state of
the art in detection of speeding vehicles. It does not work
particularly well, in particular it needs to be loaded with
film. Cars slow down for these cameras and then speed up
again a hundred meters down the road.
The government puts up many signs warning these speed
traps exist, even where they do not, as part of its
psychological warfare. Another ploy is to put markings on
both sides of the road, although the camera only works on one
side.
These cameras are indicative of the
government interest in controlling
the behaviour of its citizens.
In a matter of years every vehicle will
be permanently tracked using wireless systems.
In 2001 the government ordered that such cameras be painted
bright yellow in order that motorists see them coming. This
was part of an attempt to portray the cameras as safety
measures rather than as a crude revenue raising device.
Other photographs within 200 m:
