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Why aren't dashcams fitted as standard to UK-model cars?
I have just spent quite a considerable amount of time and effort installing a forward-looking DVR (video recorder, with embedded GPS, audio and accelerometers) into my car because of its value should there be an incident or accident. Isn't it about time that car manufacturers installed these devices as standard? The additional cost would be minimal and with so many other electronics already present, it would be easy enough to integrate.
Asked on 16 February 2013 by JL, Mold, Flintshire
Answered by
Honest John
New Fords, Volvos and Vauxhalls with drivers assistance packs already have forward facing cameras to spot speed limit signs and obstructions (such as pedestrians) in front of the car. A great many cars have rear facing cameras. Some Range Rovers have surround cameras, and Nissan recently announced this feature on a special Qashqai model. So it would be possible as part of an accessory pack if there was sufficient demand. I suspect there already is in China and Russia, where most YouTube dashcam footage comes from. This footage is not evidential in itself, but if it fulfilled certain criteria it could be admitted as evidence.
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