|
http://www.herts-essex-news.co.uk , February 9th 2007
SPEED camera bosses in Hertfordshire have denied media claims that some of their machines are faulty.
The BBC1 Politics Show reported that calibration certificates from the Herts Safety Camera Partnership (HSCP) found widespread faults.
The programme obtained the speed camera 'MoT certificates' using the Freedom of Information Act.
It claimed eight out of 16 of the partnership's cameras that were checked last year were faulty.
But an HSCP spokesman said: "The cameras have not been faulty at any time. If a camera were to develop a technical fault serious enough to affect its operation, it would not be possible to issue tickets - and this would in any case be picked up by the operators while in use.
"The purpose of the secondary check marks on the road at camera sites is to provide a back-up check that the camera is functioning correctly.
"Like any piece of equipment, the cameras require regular maintenance and servicing, and minor adjustments from time to time, but this does not mean that they have been found to be 'faulty' or unable to perform their function properly."
The BBC investigation sparked a House of Commons motion by Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning for a review and removal of all laser speed cameras that are not demonstrably improving road safety.
He argued that the number of cameras has proliferated in recent years, despite ministers admitting that not all are "appropriately placed".
The number of speed cameras is expected to rise higher in April, when rules restricting their placement are relaxed.
The BBC claimed some cameras could not record speeds properly and half of those sent for an annual check had defects.
The report sparked calls for the possible reimbursement of speeding fines.
But the spokesman said that would not happen.
He added: "HSCP is satisfied that all procedures have been followed correctly and we have full confidence in the integrity of our speed enforcement equipment.
"There are 177 safety camera housings in 57 sites, 38 mobile sites and seven red light cameras in Herts. None of the cameras is faulty."
There are nine fixed speed cameras in Hertford and Ware.
|
