Safe Speed Forums

Hi

Has anyone come across mobile van cameras in unmarked vans with mirrored out windows where the camera would sit?

Sounds very much like ANPR to me. IIRC Speed cameras cannot be used from within a closed van

Malc

If that is the blue one, then it is ANPR.

Incidentally, Devon and Cornwall Police are being a bit naughty at the moment! I am pretty certain that laser detectors (LT20-20 etc) are only allowed to be used when it is not raining. I was driving home the other day in a 30mph limit, in both fog and that really nasty, misty rain that gets you wet instantly, when I saw the local speed-cam van sitting at the bottom of a long hill. He was using the camera as the back window was open and he was sitting in there huddled over the camera.

I phoned the local Scamera partnership and spoke to the person who answered, they insisted that it was fine for them to operate in all weathers and that if I had an issue I should contact the Chief-Constable. I sent a letter to her, but have had no response at all so far.

Just wondered what the rules were, I'm sure they're only type approved for use in the dry as laser and water droplets don't really mix.

There are no operational directives about using infra-red based equipment in wet weather that say it cannot be used. It isn't like a Star Trek hand-held weapon where the 'laser' would vapourise water droplets.

The only two real problems are;

1. Using it in fog, as you can't really 'prove' on video/DVD that the red dot in the sight and the laser are in-synch by 'visually' doing the tone alignment test on a medium distance fixed object.

2. Depending on the height of the enforcement vehicle, very strong winds can give you lots of error 3's = unstable targeting.