New 'speed on green' cameras explained

22nd Feb 2019

Image: Lucy Jones

A new type of speed camera that catches speeding and red light-jumping drivers is being trialled by police.

The so-called “speed on green” cameras are part of a new initiative by Merseyside Police to improve road safety and stop motorists speeding through changing traffic lights.

Their primary use is to catch motorists jumping red lights, but they’re also able to catch those breaking the speed limit as they pass through, regardless of the light colour.

Last year, 577 people were killed or seriously injured on Merseyside’s roads, and officials will be hoping the new cameras help reduce collisions at busy junctions.

Speed cameras – our guide to staying safe and legal

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As part of the project, the Road Safety Partnership teamed with Merseyside Police to identify a number of junctions suitable for the trial.

Jayne Eaton, from the Safer Roads Unit at Merseyside Road Safety Partnership said the cameras could improve road safety by influencing the behaviour of drivers at junctions.

She said: “It is vitally important that drivers drive at an appropriate speed [at traffic lights], one which enables them to stop safely should the traffic lights change or a pedestrian step into the road.

“By their very nature, junctions present an increased risk to drivers. However, we would prefer if the cameras were redundant and drivers drove responsibly and within the speed limits.”

Merseyside Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy added: “I hope that by implementing ‘speed on green’ cameras, more drivers will pay closer attention to their speed, make sure they are sticking to the limits and driving responsibly.”

Traffic light cameras: what you need to know

The vast majority of motorists caught speeding will be classed as having committed a ‘minor offence’ and will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of a £100 fine and three points on their licence.

However, should the offence be deemed more serious, the severity of the punishment will increase and could even lead to a prosecution in court and a driver having their licence revoked.

The current penalty for jumping a red light is also an £100 fine and three penalty points, although this can increase up to £1,000 should the case be taken to court.

This means a driver could be hit with a hefty fine and six points within seconds, if they’re caught speeding and jumping a red light.

Copyright Press Association 2019. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.