MOTORISTS who believe they can avoid fixed penalty notices from new average speed cameras on the A14 by changing lanes are deluding themselves, according to transport experts. Although individual cameras will monitor only one lane, they will be randomly l

MOTORISTS who believe they can avoid fixed penalty notices from new average speed cameras on the A14 by changing lanes are deluding themselves, according to transport experts.

Although individual cameras will monitor only one lane, they will be randomly linked to other devices covering the same or other lanes along the entire 14-mile stretch to be monitored under the scheme now being installed between Huntingdon and Cambridge.

This means that, if the average speed between any two linked cameras, however far apart, exceeds the national limit, drivers will face a £60 fine, three penalty points and possible disqualification.

"We have had assurances from the Highways Agency that people speeding along this section of road will be caught, even if they change lanes," a Cambridgeshire County Council spokesman told The Hunts Post.

"Anyone who drives regularly along the A14 knows that inattention from drivers plays a major part in accidents. Changing lanes without reason is obviously unnecessary, can be unsafe and could lead to accidents.

"The best thing for motorists is to drive safely within the speeds limits. Then they can't get caught."

Some motoring campaign groups claim fines from the cameras can be avoided by changing lanes.

However, changing lanes unnecessarily is a breach of the advice given in The Highway Code.

That on its own can be evidence of careless driving, which carries much higher penalties.

The Home Office also confirmed that the new cameras cannot be dodged by changing lanes.

"They are type-approved to measure across all lanes," a spokesman said.

A plan to reduce the speed limit between Huntingdon and Cambridge to 60mph has been abandoned because it offered poor value for money in road safety terms, the Highways Agency said this week.

INFORMATION: Many drivers do not know the speed limits on that stretch of the A14. The Highway Code reminds them that they are 70mph for motorcycles, cars and car-derived vans up to two tonnes laden weight, 60mph for such vehicles towing trailers and for buses and coaches and goods vehicles plated at up to 7.5 tonnes laden weight, and 50mph for heavier lorries.