Lights turn red for speeding drivers

A speed trap that halts motorists instead of fining them could be the next weapon against those who drive too fast.

It detects the speed of drivers as they approach traffic lights and automatically switches the lights to red if the speed limit is being broken.

The influential Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers (IHIE) has been called before a Commons committee to explain the idea. If ministers like it, the plan could be introduced across Britain.

But while safety campaigners today hailed the system as a potential life-saver, motoring organisations claimed it takes speed enforcement too far. The IHIE says traffic lights could easily be converted to the new system. Many lights already have loops that detect the speed of approaching vehicles. If one is travelling too fast, the lights stay green longer to avoid panic-braking.

The IHIE is now calling for a reversal of this policy across the country. Road safety engineer and institute member Rod Sore said: "Commuters would quickly learn that if they speed in an area with this system in place they will be delayed. If they obeyed the speed limit they could carry on their way. It would be safer for pedestrians and other road users."

However, the RAC Foundation said the scheme would penalise motorists who obey speed limits because they, too, would be stopped when the lights turned red for speeding drivers.