Mobile Speed Cameras Explained

Mobile speed cameras are used mainly for the purpose of catching drivers that speed.  Police use these cameras inside or outside of their police vehicles.   Speeding is the reason for many crashes so the speed camera can be an effective tool to encourage drivers to slow down.  Mobile speed cameras emit a high frequency beam or radar beam that goes across the road.  Cameras can be operated manually or automatically.  The camera can be set for traffic that is going away or forward.

Before a mobile speed camera is used to catch driver’s speeding, it’s tested by an approved institution according to the Home Office and Department of Transport guidelines.  A speed camera will take a picture that shows information such as speed limit, vehicle speed, time of offense and the date.  The site location number and the film frame number will also be shown.  All this information proves the driver was speeding but needs to be verified before a ticket or notice is given to the driver.  The picture of the driver and the license plate number needs to be clear and match the speeders drivers’ license.

It’s best not to speed but sometimes you may accidentally go over the speed limit.  Speed trap devices such as a Road Angel can be beneficial because they can alert you to mobile camera lasers.  Some Road Angels have a laser sensor unit that can be plugged into the back of it.  Another device is the GPS Speed Warning Device.  It has a system that will warn you when you’re getting near a mobile speed camera.  There are many other speed trap devices on the market that have excellent warning systems.

Speed cameras may reduce car crashes according to some studies.  In some areas speed camera can’t be used unless signs are put up to let drivers know a speed camera is somewhere close or up ahead.  This lets the driver know their coming into a camera range.  A driver may suddenly brake if he’s suddenly surprised by a speed camera which could cause an accident.  Drivers usually slow down when they know a speed camera is close by.