Police who man speed cameras in Britain find themselves the object of scorn. "People are always quick to have a moan or stop their cars to launch abuse at us," officer Peter Nield told Leeds Today. "I even remember someone slowing down as they passed our car to throw an empty coke can at us."

Other motorists honk their horn and display obscene gestures. Drivers also slow down while in range of the camera -- often slamming on the brakes creating hazardous conditions for others on the road.

"A lot of motorists loathe us, that is true," PC Nield admits.