| The amount of controversy world-wide over the use | | | | been an issue in elections, with candidates promising |
| of the speed camera detector by government | | | | to eliminate them from the roadsides. The digital |
| authorities and law enforcement is surprising. Given | | | | devices are banned in some countries and some |
| that no driver need fear having two photographs | | | | states, and regulated differently from jurisdiction to |
| taken within a short span of both time and distance | | | | jurisdiction. In some areas, the cameras must be |
| if that driver is not speeding, it is striking that so | | | | prominently positioned to catch the motorist's eye, |
| many people feel that this device is an invasion of | | | | while other regions hide the devices from sight in |
| their privacy. | | | | ingenious ways. |
| Many authorities believe that using speed detector | | | | There are many defensive measures on the market, |
| imaging, which involves measuring the speed of a car | | | | such as software for GPS units and detectors that |
| and catching its license plate number, is an effective | | | | can be mounted in automobiles. Maps have been |
| way to make motorists pay attention to the posted | | | | published showing all permanent speed cameras on |
| speed limits. There are statistics that show that | | | | the major roadways. On the Internet, you will see |
| locales with speed cameras have fewer total crashes. | | | | advertised ways to make a license plate unreadable |
| The motorists who are 'caught' on camera receive an | | | | by a roadside camera. The legality of all these things |
| automatic penalty, or fine, through the mail. | | | | is something that should be checked out for your |
| Others feel that the jurisdictions are simply trying to | | | | particular locality. |
| raise money, with the extra revenue being much | | | | The cameras have been used for ticketing speeders |
| more of an incentive than the safety of those on | | | | since 1982. The newer digital devices have proved to |
| the roads and highways. There is no doubt that | | | | be accurate and need less maintenance. The |
| areas that use the roadside devices raise a lot of | | | | technology was developed by a race driver who |
| money that way. However, the procedure has been | | | | wanted to track his car's performance for training |
| successfully challenged in court, and even considered | | | | purposes. In the United States, some feel that the |
| a human rights violation. | | | | cameras are useful for maintaining accurate driving |
| A major concern is that the cameras, often installed | | | | records across state lines. |
| and operated by private companies under contract to | | | | The controversy over the speed camera detector |
| the jurisdiction, may not be accurate. There is no | | | | rages in many countries, with both private |
| standardized maintenance and calibration of the | | | | organizations and public figures entering the debate. |
| devices required, and there have been documented | | | | However, many believe that the reduction of |
| cases of errors. For example, cars with known top | | | | manpower required to police the roads and the |
| speeds have been credited with excessive speeds, | | | | increase of revenue will lead to more and more of |
| of which they are not capable. | | | | these speed camera monitors showing up on |
| The use of these speed monitoring cameras has | | | | highways around the world. |