Safe Speed Forums

Yellow box camera brings in a cool million per year
Posted on: October 18th, 2010 by Doug Smith

A notorious speed camera in London reportedly fetches in around one million pounds a year.

The controversial camera, which is dubbed the money box by many, can be found in Battersea in the south of the capital but not too far from the city centre. After the area was monitored by a leading UK newspaper, it was found that every single vehicle that passed it wasn’t able to exit the box in the allotted amount of time due to the congestion that lied ahead, with many drivers blaming ongoing nearby construction works and campaigners accusing the government of hitting motorists with fines such as these that should be branded as being stealth taxes.

It is estimated that at least 2,000 drivers each month are hit with fines for being stuck at the junction, which officially lies along Battersea Bridge Road, a major route for those heading into the capital’s city centre from the south. Since an arterial route was closed back in February, the road has experienced major hold ups that make it near-impossible for drivers to avoid stopping their vehicles at the junction.

The camera is erected above traffic lights and films motorists passing through. Any driver that stops for more than five seconds in congestion boxes are immediately issued a 60 pound fine, which is also able to double if not paid straight away. Speaking in response to widespread complaints, a spokesman speaking on behalf of Transport for London stated that anyone believing they have been hit with an unfair charge should appeal to his organisation.