Wi-fi cameras to track drivers' average speed

A trial of powerful new wi-fi speed cameras that track drivers along every inch of road has begun in London.

Thirty-four devices have been put up along a five-mile stretch of the A13 between Canning Town and the Gorsebrook interchange to the east of the capital.

In the three years to December 2006, there were four deaths and 62 serious injuries in accidents on that stretch of road.

Unlike Gatso cameras that film vehicles at just one point, the new devices communicate with each other enabling them to track a car as it moves.

Drivers travelling between any two cameras have their average speed automatically calculated by a computer. Those above the limit would be liable to a £60 fine and three points on their licence.

The London Safety Camera Partnership said today no one would be fined during the trial, which will continue over the summer before officials decide on implementation.

It could pave the way for "speedand-distance" cameras being rolled out across London, making it harder for drivers to "cheat" by braking when they see a camera.

Experts believe the system could be used to enforce a blanket 20mph speed limit in the capital, in line with Ken Livingstone's plans.

The Mayorwants London's councils to make 20mph the "default" speed in their areas because research suggests this would cut accident levels.

The partnership is also carrying out a 20mph trial using average-speed cameras in Mansfield Road , Camden.

A spokesman said: "It is essential we trial measures that could be used to enforce speed limits and reduce road accidents. At sites where speed cameras have been used there has been a 53 per cent reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured." Captain Gatso of Motorists Against Detection said: "If this goes live, any motorist who inadvertently strays over the speed limit for a moment will find themselves on the receiving end of a fine. It would lead to even more motorists losing their licences - and possibly their livelihood - for momentarily creeping over the limit."

But Richard Bourn of Campaign for Better Transport said: "Speed cameras have been proven to save lives."