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The most common speed camera on UK roads is the Gatso. At a pre-determined speed the camera is activated and flashes. The Gatso usually photographs the rear of the car but can occasionally be set to flash oncoming motorists. This is rare as the camera flash in the face of the motorist may be considered not safe. As it takes a picture of the rear of the car, the gatso can not normally be used to identify who the driver was. |
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The Truvelo camera faces towards the oncoming traffic and can be used to identify the oncoming driver. They are becoming more commonplace. The camera does not produce a flash but uses an infra red flash triggered by sensors in the road.
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Specs cameras use automatic number plate recognition and record the avarage speed of vehicles travelling between two sets of cameras. More on Specs>> |
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Despite the increase in fixed cameras such as gatsos and truvelos, the use of hand held radar guns is still widespread. Radar guns need to be strictly calibrated. |
A new type of speed camera is due to become widespread in 2009. We already have specs cameras on our roads which measure average speeds. The new camera called specs3, also measures average vehicle speeds. But is able to do so amongst a network of cameras, not just between two connected cameras as with the original specs cameras. The new cameras will read the number plate of speeding vehicles automatically transmit data to a processing centre which automatically generates an NIP. More>>
