The amount of controversy world-wide over the use of the speed camera detector by government authorities and law enforcement is surprising.

Given that no driver need fear having two photographs taken within a short span of both time and distance if that driver is not speeding, it is striking that so many people feel that this device is an invasion of their privacy.

Many authorities believe that using speed camera detector imaging, which involves measuring the speed of a car and catching its license plate number, is an effective way to make motorists pay attention to the posted speed limits.

There are statistics that show that locales with speed cameras have fewer total crashes. The motorists who are 'caught' on camera receive an automatic penalty, or fine, through the mail.

Others feel that the jurisdictions are simply trying to raise money, with the extra revenue being much more of an incentive than the safety of those on the roads and highways.

There is no doubt that areas that use the roadside devices raise a lot of money that way. However, the procedure has been successfully challenged in court, and even considered a human rights violation.

A major concern is that the cameras, often installed and operated by private companies under contract to the jurisdiction, may not be accurate.

There is no standardized maintenance and calibration of the devices required, and there have been documented cases of errors.

For example, cars with known top speeds have been credited with excessive speeds, of which they are not capable.

The use of these speed monitoring cameras has been an issue in elections, with candidates promising to eliminate them from the roadsides.

The digital devices are banned in some countries and some states, and regulated differently from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

In some areas, the cameras must be prominently positioned to catch the motorist's eye, while other regions hide the devices from sight in ingenious ways.

There are many defensive measures on the market, such as software for GPS units and detectors that can be mounted in automobiles.

Maps have been published showing all permanent speed cameras on the major roadways.

On the Internet, you will see advertised ways to make a license plate unreadable by a roadside camera. The legality of all these things is something that should be checked out for your particular locality.

The speed camera detectors have been used for ticketing speeders since 1982. The newer digital speed camera devices have proved to be accurate and need less maintenance.

The technology was developed by a race driver who wanted to track his car's performance for training purposes. In the United States, some feel that the cameras are useful for maintaining accurate driving records across state lines.

The controversy over the speed camera detector rages in many countries, with both private organizations and public figures entering the debate.

However, many believe that the reduction of manpower required to police the roads and the increase of revenue will lead to more and more of these speed camera detector monitors showing up on highways around the world.