Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership

Information

Camera Types

There are three main types of enforcement used by the Safer Roads Partnership. Their mode of operation varies and is explained below, however their purpose is identical; to reduce casualties on the road.

Gatso Camera

These cameras are permanently positioned at the roadside and loaded regularly for enforcement. The Gatso speed camera uses radar technology (radar type 24) which is traditionally placed in fixed housings, although it can be used when mounted on a tripod. By use of a flash facility the equipment can be used throughout the day and night and also in adverse weather conditions.

The images are stored on a standard 35mm wet film each capable of taking 800 pictures (400 offences). Two pictures are taken per offence with fixed camera installations. Road markings known as secondary checks, are used to verify speed readings shown on the photographic evidence.Gatso speed cameras are calibrated by the manufacturers on an annual basis.

Truvelo Camera

This camera is similar to the Gatso but takes a picture of the front of the car instead of the rear. Sensors set into the road surface trigger the camera; there are white lines across the carriageway which perform a secondary check function. There is a magenta filter over the camera flash to ensure that the driver is not ‘dazzled’ when a photo is taken.

The images are stored on a standard 35mm wet film each capable of taking 800 pictures. Only one picture is taken per offence at a specific time delay to ensure that the vehicle’s wheels are on the secondary check markings; this verifies the speed and distance travelled.

Mobile Enforcement

Mobile Van Camera: Rather than using a fixed roadside housing, the camera technology has been installed in the backs of vans for ease of deployment.
The cameras use a laser device to measure the speed of vehicles coming towards or travelling away from the camera and record direct onto video.
Sites are enforced for a few hours at a time, and the mobile technology makes this a much more flexible option; allowing sites to be more easily introduced, moved or removed.

Red Light Enforcement

Red Light Camera: Where there are identifiable problems caused by ‘running’ red lights, these cameras may be deployed. They will photograph the vehicle as it goes through a junction whilst the lights are on red and act as a deterrent against this inherently risky practice.

 

 

 

Created: 2004-12-22 00:00:00 | Last Updated: 2007-07-20 12:33:41