GREY speed cameras will be turned yellow in a bid to make them more visible and reduce incidents of sudden braking, the Government has announced.

The decision means all working cameras on England’s motorways and major trunk roads will be yellow by October next year.

Highways England (HE) confirmed the plan after ministers ordered a review into speed camera policy.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “I’ve always been clear that cameras should be visible and get used for safety rather than revenue raising.

“This move is about applying common sense to our roads. Speed cameras should make journeys safer rather than lead to dangerous braking. I’m delighted Highways England have agreed to meet our timetable to achieve this.”

A recent AA poll of over 29,000 drivers found that (77% agreed that roadside cameras are an acceptable way of identifying speeding vehicles.

The motoring organisation’s president, Edmund King, welcomed the decision to turn cameras yellow.

“Cameras are most effective when drivers slow down, and being visible should make them more effective,” he said.

“Drivers will be delighted by this move.”

Grey cameras were first introduced on the M42 near Birmingham in 2006 as part of the active traffic management scheme which involves variable speed limits.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the majority of colour changes will take place during the standard renewal of camera units to minimise costs.

DfT guidance states that speed cameras on local roads should be yellow.