Safe Speed Forums

I have been told that the placement of a mobile camera has to be recorded in a database somewhere at least 2 weeks prior to its positioning and that Satnavs can be updated with this information. Does anyone know if this is true or is it just sales talk by a Satnav salesman?

Safety cameras (as distinct from a policeman waving a hairdryer about) are used in defined positions, and hence an regularly updated database can be added to a satnav.

I'm actively considering a Road Angel system for my new car, whereby I can upload sightings of cameras, and other users will be notified in ~20 seconds.

Completely untrue.

Mobiles are now increasingly deployed at random; good luck keeping up.

By which camera partnerships, greenshed? Or is that a secret to people who work for them?

And they still have to use specific sites don't they?

I've _never_ seen a Dorset camera van where it shouldn't have been.

Don't they have to be where there are those two grey, slim boxes, sticking out of the ground? I have yet to see a camera site that doesn't have them. They are about 18" - 2ft high and about 3" across.

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My views do not represent Safespeed but those of a driver who has driven for 39 yrs, in all conditions, at all times of the day & night on every type of road and covered well over a million miles, so knows a bit about what makes for safety on the road,what is really dangerous and needs to be observed when driving and quite frankly, the speedo is way down on my list of things to observe to negotiate Britain's roads safely, but I don't expect some fool who sits behind a desk all day to appreciate that.

Many thanks for all your replies.
Isn't it true that Tom Tom also use the Road Angel database?

ron rumbol

Council have to authorise where locations for camera vans or permanent installations maybe positioned.

There are a few Camera Partnership that are trying to arrange 'we want to be anywhere on this road' type Council agreements, but even then those roads can be flagged. However I am fairly sure this has not had final approval yet.

As far as I know all Sat Nav's rely on obtaining data from Councils to help identify where camera's might be located, however different companies have different ways and times and methods in which to obtain that data, hence why some companies clam to be better updated than others.

We do not agree with the need for Speed Cameras as a way to make the roads safer,any or in fact as any part of Road Safety measure.
It is far better that you aim to always try to ensure that you drive / ride, so that you can always stop in the distance that you can see to be clear.
Clear meaning free from all potential hazards.

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Safe Speed for Intelligent Road Safety through proper research, experience & guidance.

I totally agree with your comments regarding driving within the speed limit. My problem is due to a lapse of concentration, and I'm sure I am not alone, I sometimes would benefit from a reminder that I am exceeding the speed limit. I believe that some satnavs tell you when you are exceeding the speed limit, but only in safety camera areas and near schools. That is my interest in safety camera locations.

wow things have changed since i left, during my time the police told the council where they intended to place a mobile / fixed site here, we want hardstand parking at this point, the relevant signage beginning and end of the site

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now retired

They do not and never have.


Approval from who? Camera Partnerships don't have to take directions from Councils although the Council do have a say in some policy.

Some Partnerships provide data others do not; it is my understanding that most do not but it is some time since I have been involved in this aspect.




As usual, a well informed answer.

Greenshed, your collegues here in sunny Essex put where their cameras will be in the local rag.

Just before I purchased my camera I saw them on the left hand side of the road, on a left hander, on the verge, on double yellow lines. Genius. They must have take 200 meters of visibility out of the road, all in the name of safety though. Good one.

I did also see them in Chelmsford t'other day rounding people up and stopping them. . I have no problem with that what so ever. The lad on L plates with a pillion that was heading their way might beg to differ . But when you start hiding so you can get the normally law abiding people on a technical offence in the name of safety, that's when I, and others on here too, get riled.

Whatever makes you say that ! ?

From the Local Council and Highways Agency & depends if it is a Trunk Route or not. CP's do not have authority over the roads, they still have to abide by other authorities.
CP's still have to have authority so the Councils end up with good lists. There are growing Internet sites collating data which in time can becomes fairly reliable.
So what aspect are you involved in then ?
Always aim to please and be as precise as I can be. So you have a better way of phrasing what I wanted to say then ?

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Safe Speed for Intelligent Road Safety through proper research, experience & guidance.

I don't know if TomTom use the Road Angel database - have to contact them and ask them - I'll add it to my to do list. Sat nav's can tell you if you are going over the limit as they know it to be, but being more viligant and observing the speed limits as you enter them is far better as you are training yourself to observe better and enables you to drive with better confidence, you may find to re-train yourself you need to slow done to ensure that you 'take in' all road signs. There is something called 'commentary driving' and that means you 'speak out loud' all the hazards, notices, issues, allowances, car controls and other so that a passenger will know what you consider when you drive. This when done properly and until you are smooth with your words will slow you down simply to try to give you enough time to say it all ! But it is a great way to train yourself to ensure you are allowing for 'everything' and ensuring that you are safe or safer. However we can learn quick names or phrases for things as you go so 'noted' points are made and that is 'enough' and quicker than e.g 'clear entry' than driveway on left is clear or 'busy pathway' than 'many people on pavement' etc ... and '30 2nd' will state you see the 30mph limit and are in 2nd gear. So all 'flowery' words can be eliminated.
I cannot say I 'like' doing it as thinking AND saying is harder than just doing, but even if you only do this occasionally it can help you see what you are missing and what you are seeing. Having excellent observational skills help you to anticipate better, and these skills start to help you recognise developing hazards al all kinds and all natures, that keeps you safe. The more you observe better the more you see and gradually you learn to look forward to observe all possible camera locations and sightings. You then 'take in your stride' if that distant van or vehicle might be a camera and if it is a builders van then you have already processed that there maybe a workman/woman about carrying a ladder or some other item too, so it all goes together hand in hand.
Quick and regular glances at your dash (when safe - clear road) will help you become aware of your cars speed before you are too close to all potential hazards thus you stay safe by keeping your space and safety margins high, so 'low risk' managed driving / riding.

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Safe Speed for Intelligent Road Safety through proper research, experience & guidance.

An update on my local mob -Warwickshire .at one time when the went under the name of Smile Camera Partnership ( in the days of hiving off) they posted it on the net ,and even had a CD with specific locations .Now they still give a little data on the net ,but it's usually a road number .Of late ,Ive seen them parked in several dubious partially concealed locations ,usually on the pavement amongst parked cars on single carriageway roads.
Example -at one time they used to state on the B4102 , in a location which ended up close to or on the bridge over the M69.That site got to wrll known and was too visible so it stopped being used .Just before the changes to the speed limits I used to see them in Nuneaton ,on the B4102, after the 40 -30 limit change,using a bus shelter for cover -same road -but that's what it now says on the web page .

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lets bring sanity back to speed limits.
Drivers are like donkeys -they respond best to a carrot, not a stick .Road safety experts are like Asses - best kept covered up ,or sat on

These chaps have an ongoing database - here at pocketgpsworld.com - I have no knowledge how good it is - but seems that you have to pay £19.99 annually.

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Safe Speed for Intelligent Road Safety through proper research, experience & guidance.