Anger at 'sneaky' camera changes

Traffic light cameras like this one in Clerk Street can now catch speeders

It has emerged a number of red light cameras across the Capital have been upgraded to catch anyone speeding through a green light, but the change has never been announced.

Police today defended their decision not to tell drivers that the technology had been upgraded, but motoring groups have blasted the move.

Sergeant Allan Hoad, of the Lothian and Borders Safety Camera Partnership, said work to upgrade the cameras began some time ago.

He said: "We've been going through a phased upgrade for about 18 months now, moving with the times as new technology becomes available.

"We've gone digital and the company we've chosen to supply the product have offered it as a red light camera when the red light is on and as a safety camera when it's not.

"It's still a camera enforcing safety at a junction.

"We've not had any publicity because it's an enhancement of what's been there before. It's a red light junction so people should be aware anyway.

Was it 'sneaky' of police to upgrade red light cameras to catch speeding drivers too? Vote here

"There's no rationale or guidance to have signage. There are a great many signs already advising drivers of safety cameras. If you're not speeding, there's nothing to worry about."

There are currently 18 red light cameras across the city including those on Leith Walk, London Road, Newington Road, Clerk Street and Gorgie Road.

Work is under way to convert all the cameras.

According to the law, all safety cameras must have a camera information sign warning drivers in advance, but police said there was no requirement to advertise the location of the speed cameras in this case because the technology was simply "an upgrade" of existing red light sites.

Roger Lawson, a spokesman for the Association of British Drivers, said the police had a duty to advertise the speed cameras, otherwise the technology was "pointless".

He said: "We object to all speed cameras because they're not effective, but clearly it's pointless having a device that just catches people if it's not deterring them. It's absolutely sneaky if it's not clear that there's a new deterrent."

It is not clear how many fines have been handed out as a result of the new cameras, but police confirmed anyone caught would face three penalty points and a 60 fine.

Raymond Davidson, secretary of the Edinburgh Taxi Association, said it was "grossly unfair" that police had not alerted motorists.

He said: "I think they need to be telling everyone where these cameras are. It looks fairly obvious what's behind it - because motorists are obeying the red light cameras."