DRESSING speed camera vans in different colours across the UK is causing 'chaos and danger' to motorists, claims the Association of British Drivers (ABD). It says that Safety Camera Partnerships are spreading and has nicknamed them 'Talivans'.

Drivers are faced with a confusing mixture of markings and colours. Yellow, orange, red, and blue colours can be seen painted in lines, diagonal stripes, checks and on panels. It adds that some 'Talivans' are clearly marked with 'police' while others just have Safety Camera Partnership in small writing.

ABD road safety spokesman Mark McArthur-Christie said the result is confusion and danger.

He added: 'We had a recent report of panic braking on the M20 in Kent where a van with red and yellow stripes on the back and amber roof lights was parked on the hard shoulder, attended by two men in yellow jackets using something mounted on a tripod. It was only on passing the van that the word 'surveyors' was readable. An accident is likely to be caused by panic braking and it would be absurd if an 'innocent' van were to be the cause.'