Speedcurb
Speedcurb cameras are again not very common in the UK Speedcurb speed cameras are often used to monitor traffic light offences as well as speeding offences... more

Gatso Meter Speed Cameras

By far the most popular choice for police forces and local authorities across the UK. The Gatsometer BV company which originates from the Netherlands, was founded in 1959 by Maurice Gastonides, a famous rally driver and winner of the Monte Carlo Rally in 1953.

The Gatso speed camera uses radar technology (radar type 24), the equipment can be used in a stationary position, in a car, in a trailer on a tripod or from a moving vehicle. Fixed installation post (F.I.P) Gatso speed cameras are rear facing as they use a 'flash' to capture the image required for prosecution, which would distract a driver if forward facing.

The images are stored on a standard 35mm 'wet film', which needs to be changed and processed. With each film reel only having the ability to take 400 pictures before needing to be changed, cameras in busy places or where speeding offences occur more often can only last a few hours before needing to change the film.

Some Gatso's can also tell the difference between a car and HGV, so if for instance the limit was 60 mph for cars and for HGV's it was 40 mph, if HGV's pass the threshold of approx 45-50mph the camera would be triggered.

Gatso speed cameras need to calibrated and only record traffic in one lane at a time. Some Police authorities have placed cameras which can be turned around to face different traffic flows from one week to the next.

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DS2

Rubber strips in the road calculate your speed as you pass over them via the small telltale grey post which sits along side. The DS2 system requires a mobile camera usually in a van to plug into this grey post inorder to photograph you. They cant calculate your speed without the van plugging the camera in the post so watch for it nearby. Difficult to spot if you are not using a GPS Speed Camera Warning System. Cant capture your speed unless the van with camera is plugged into the grey post. Sometimes the strips in the road are only on one side of the road.

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SPECS System
Speed Violation Detection Deterrent, SVDD is the digital brain which the SPECS system is based upon, it uses state of the art video system with Automatic Number Plate Reading (ANPR) digital technology. Consisting of two video cameras each fitted with infra red illuminators, giving the ability to work 24hrs 7days a week.

SPECS are fitted either at the roadside or central reservation a set distance apart to create a speed controlled zone, or where appropriate, groups of cameras can be linked to create a speed controlled network. Mounted to a single or doubled armed distinctive blue SPECS column, they are linked together via computer.

As vehicles pass between the entry and exit camera points their number plates are digitally recorded, whether speeding or not. Then, by ANPR recognition, the images on the video of matching number plates are paired up, and because each image carries a date and time stamp, the computer can then work out your average speed between the cameras, and then will make a decision if the preset speed threshold is triggered. This data is then digitally stored on a central computer, so that there is no need for film to be collected and changed at the cameras site.

Pictured above; a SPECS system sited on one side of the road, used to enforce speed in both directions.

There were rumours last year on the internet that the SPECS system was flawed and could be fooled by simply changing lanes but as of today this is unproven.

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A camera is plugged into the roadside sensor set-up to allow offenders to be recorded. Speed camera signing reinforces such sites. This system is generally best for tackling longer lengths of road.

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Mobile & Handheld Devices
Police Constabularies across the country use a variety of mobile and hand devices to catch speeding motorists. These systems include; Mini-Gatso, TSS system (see above) and Teletraffic (laser guns). Mini-Gatso, the technology used in a Mini-Gatso unit is very similar to that used within a fixed position Gatso speed camera, using radar type 24 (see above). Teletraffic, police camera teams use this as a vehicle based system which can be set up to detect speeding traffic from a distance of 1000 metres using laser technology. The device is aimed on a vehicle number plate and which is then recorded on video film with the associated speed. This system is generally best for tackling lengths of road, and may be used outside of signed locations.

Most counties across the UK have a 'Speeding Campaign' of some form. Many Police Constabularies and local authorities have routes where they regularly patrol and carry out speed checks. Areas of N Wales for instance in North Wales has a campaign called 'Arrive Alive', the campaign is fairly high profile.

Horse Box Camera Video

Alternative Techniques The Police can also sometimes use alternative techniques where mobile cameras are concirned, from using Helicopters which track mainly Speeding Motorcycles from the air, to laser gun operators hiding in Horse Boxes ( shown left in N Wales ) to speed cameras in wheelie bins and even unmarked vehicles which can follow a speeding vehicle for a measured distance to record on video for evidence to be used in a later prosecution.

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Watchman speed cameras are rear facing devices which combine 2 cameras within it, one for speed monitoring and one for ANPR ( Auto numberplate recognition ) and not very common in the UK.

It is similar to the Gatso and uses radar tecnlology to detect speeding motorists. Unlike the Gatso though a Watchman camera calculates your speed as you approach as it has "rear facing eyes" so just slowing through the normal "Gatso Style Zone" wont save you as you. The data is stored digitally and transmitted wire free.