Grantham Journal
Here Quote:
Digital upgrade ?is planned for speed cameras
Published on Sun May 16 16:12:28 BST 2010
DAMAGED speed cameras in Lincolnshire may soon be replaced with newer digital systems in an attempt to prevent vandalism.
Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership are looking at upgrade options for the cameras, six of which have been destroyed by arsonists so far this year.
Spokesman for the partnership John Siddle said: “We are not replacing all sites with digital cameras, but as newer systems such as digital and anti-vandal casings come onto the market our intention is to review how we can best utilise the new technology and save money by denying the criminal element who damage public property.”
The cameras currently use wet film, which has to be unloaded and sent for processing. Information from the newer digital system will be automatically downloaded.
Mr Siddle said: “Any motorist that has been speeding through a site and thinks he/she can burn the evidence by setting fire to the camera will in fact have had their offence sent to the central office as the offence occurred and so will not escape the penalty for speeding.”
Some of the newer cameras, which can monitor traffic in both directions, do not even have detectable flashes.
The partnership have not decided which cameras they will get.
Mr Siddle added: “We have to look at various factors like cost, resistance to damage, attack alarms and capability that we require from a safety camera before submitting to tender and that process is soon to commence.”
An average speed camera system is currently being installed on the A52 in the Ropsley area.