Safe Speed Forums

POLICE: Digital cameras mean no escape
SPEEDING motorists who think they can escape a fine because of dummy cameras could soon be foiled by the digital revolution.
Digital cameras, which do not need to be loaded with film, have been introduced across the country - and could one day replace the traditional film-based cameras completely.

Early plans are already afoot to install the cameras on the A14 near Huntingdon to help bring an end to death on the busy road.

Speeding drivers passing conventional cameras often do not get fined because there is no film in the camera to record their misdemeanour.

However, with digital technology, that cannot happen and those two flashes will inevitably lead to a fine dropping through the speeding driver's letterbox.

Last week, it was revealed that only a quarter of Cambridgeshire's 66 speed cameras contain film and so are incapable of catching speeding cameras.

The news angered Sara Christmas, whose 17-year-old daughter Claire Hilbert was killed on the Fletton Parkway, at Stanground, Peterborough, last year, although road safety chiefs insisted cameras make drivers slow down whether they are loaded or not.

Stuart Clarkson, spokesman for the Cambridgeshire Safety Camera Partnership, said early proposals to install digital cameras on the A14 were being looked at.

He said: "At the moment, there are no plans to introduce the cameras across the whole of the county because there are certain issues with them.

"Of course, it is not simply a case of switching the cameras. We also have to replace the whole system that is used to issue fines, and that is expensive.

"However, there are many digital camera systems being developed and awaiting approval to be used more widely, and we could definitely see digital cameras on the A14 sooner rather than later."

Digital speed cameras involve pairs or networks of cameras set at long distances apart. As vehicles pass between the cameras their average speed is calculated. If a vehicle is travelling faster than a pre-set threshold, its details and a colour image are digitally recorded.

The cameras can send this information directly to a computer which generates the penalty notices – cutting down on paperwork.

17 October 2005

Just hold on there one minute. I am not sure they can do this. I am sure you cannot generate a penalty notice until someone checks the facts. Then signs the forms. Just imagine the amount of cock-ups that will occure.

Just hold on there one minute. I am not sure they can do this. I am sure you cannot generate a penalty notice until someone checks the facts. Then signs the forms. Just imagine the amount of cock-ups that will occure.

...although the digital SPECS system is a more efficient data processor than Gatso, the law insists that humans must view the pictures before issuing penalty notices.

You are correct. Automated prosecutions are forbidden under British law. All evidence must be examined by human eyes before it can be used.