NOBODY likes being flashed by a speed camera.

We tend to view them almost as an invasion of our privacy, convinced that as drivers we know best how fast we can safely go in given conditions, and that the cameras are there simply to make money out of us.

We expect the news that police plan to increase the number of mobile camera vans on North Yorkshire’s roads to be greeted less than enthusiastically, therefore.

Some people may say that if the police really want to get motorists to slow down, they should use more static cameras. Mobile cameras seem sneaky, and designed to catch us unawares.

But let’s look at the evidence. In January, speed cameras caught almost 4,000 motorists committing offences. The majority of those were let off without a fine or points on their licence, provided they took a speed awareness course. Fewer than 500 were actually fined and given penalty points.

Meanwhile, police insist that the mobile cameras are having a real impact on reducing the number of deaths and injuries on North Yorkshire’s roads. The latest technology means the camera vans can now spot not only speeding motorists, but also those driving while on the ‘phone. And because they are fitted with ANPR, they can also help catch criminals coming into North Yorkshire from elsewhere.

We may not like them. But the evidence does seem to suggest that they work. And if we don’t want to get caught speeding, we always have the option of driving more slowly.