Police have called for roadside speed cameras to be temporarily switched off because of concern that there are too many inaccurate readings.

Police union ACP said the current equipment was not reliable enough and admitted that motorists had a case for challenging their fines through the courts, NOS reported.

The current radar checks have given readings of buses travelling at 185 km/h and lorries doing 240 km/h on an 80mph road – close to the top speed of a BMW M6 Coupe.

The calibrated system of fines, where higher speeds are punished more heavily, means a small deviation in the reading can significantly inflate the fine. Driving 5km over the limit on a motorway attracts a €30 penalty, but the rate rises to €61 for a 10km transgression and €115 for 15km.

Gerrit van der Kamp, chairman of the ACP, told NOS Radio 1 Journaal: ‘Fines are high, sometimes too high, and five or six kilometres can make a big difference to the amount of the fine.’

Concern

He said his colleagues had repeatedly raised the issue, both in respect of temporary and static speed cameras, but little action had been taken. ‘It’s being worked on, but in the meantime the readings carry on being taken. It’s taking so long that officers are approaching us and seeking publicity through the media.’

Van der Kamp said the false readings had potential consequences for the police too. ‘Police personnel have to write statements and that has to be done truthfully. If there is any doubt on the part of the civilian, the fine can be quashed and the officer accused of making false statements. And if people go to court over this they have a point.’