DRIVERS have been left outraged over a "covert" speed camera van hidden behind a road sign which has been catching them out.
Motorists have slammed the enforcement vehicle as a "money grab" but local road bosses insist it is lawful.
The van has been stationed on a stretch of the A27 in West Sussex and operates as a radar speed trap.
While the motor is yellow and has visibility stripes on it, it has been tucked away behind a sign for the nearby Shoreham Airport.
Road users in the area claim they have been unable to spot it as a result and complained about the "sneaky" tactic.
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One local motorist told MailOnline: "I was horrified.
"I know they do a great job and speeding is a really important issue.
"But overt rather than covert goes down better with drivers.
"That was just sneaky.
"It just comes off as the typical money-grabbing exercise - it's foul play."
He added that the move was "divisive and naughty", even though he supported strict enforcement of road laws.
The Alliance of British Drivers also shared concerns over the positioning of the vehicle.
Policy director Brian Gregory added: "It's obvious that vehicle is not going to be easily visible.
"It's behind a sign and you're not going to see it before you are upon it.
"It's frankly disgusting...if it was for deterrence, you would want the van to be visible."
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However, the Sussex Safer Road Partnership, which operates the van, emphasised that it was a completely legal form of surveillance.
A spokesperson hit back: "Motorists should be aware that if they exceed the legal speed limit anywhere at any time, they risk being detected.
"The Safety Camera Team operate using bright yellow vans; however, this is not a legal requirement...Covert enforcement is lawful.
"The purpose of the technology is to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in collisions on our roads by encouraging people to obey speed limits and drive in a safe and considerate manner.
"Driving in a conscientious way will get everyone home safely."
