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Types
of speedtrap
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Radar Radar or Laser
Non Radar or Laser
Mobile
Non Mobile
Radar Devices
Speed detection using radar was pioneered by Maurice Gatsonides,
he was a rally driver who wanted to measure the speeds of rally
vehicles, this turned into a business. Hence Gatso cameras.
Gatso Camera, Fixed Installation Post
(FIP)
Usually has an 800 frame roll of film. Operates on K Band.
When a vehicle exceeds a preset speed threshold, the device
is activated taking two photographs half a second apart. The
photographs show the date and time of the offence, together
with the speed recorded. The unit takes between three and four
hundred readings of a single vehicle as it passes through the
beam. There must not be a greater speed variation on all of
these readings of more than two miles per hour or the device
will abort the test.
These can also use the TruVelo system or the inductive loop
system.
Mobile Gatso Cameras, Mobile Installation
Post (MIP)
This is a complete FIP camera but mounted on a trailer. It costs
around £9000 and is towed into position, typically in
road works. It can be deployed in around 15 minutes. It has
the same box on top of the pole as a normal FIP, and hence works
the same (radar, 800 frame roll of film etc.). The ruler markings
on the road are the only difference, the police don't paint
these markings on the road each time, so they are superimposed
on the pictures. However they do paint the road in some areas,
like long term roadwork's.
SPECS, SVDD (Speed Violation Detection
Deterrent)
Super efficient, 2 cameras with infra red that are linked to
a computer that has number plate recognition, if the same number
plate appears at the second camera within a given time period
then it will calculate the average speed over the distance,
if the speed is over a given threshold an NIP (Notice of Intended
Prosecution) will be issued. All this can be automated by the
computer technology it has, it can dial into DVLA for the driver
details, and send an automated NIP with all the details and
digital image, it won't run out of film like a Gatso can.
A company called Speedcheck will operate the system and so free
up officers to chase real criminals. However this also means
that because of the reduced police presence on the roads the
nutters who keep to the speed limits but are just very bad drivers
(such as the centre lane owners club) won't get stopped at all.
Motorcyclists are not affected by this system as it is forward
facing so can't read a motorcyclists number plate. Square and
dirty number plates can give the system problems.
DS2 (TruVelo)
3 rubber hoses set into the road across they carriageway, either
manned or unmanned. It is linked to a video device. Hoses are
set 1M apart, not to be confused with traffic counting devices
which only have 2 hoses.
Marom
This is not yet used in the UK, it uses 2 infra red beams and
2 reflectors in the road, the beam is broken to activate it,
giving speed, direction, the distance from the previous car,
even the car length.
Portable Devices
Laser
Very accurate but the beam does spread out to 3 ft at 1000 ft
distance.
When used over 400 yards they need to be tripod mounted for
stability.
Readings can be taken in a fraction of a second. It needs a
flat surface such as a number plate or even a headlight. The
device must be calibrated once a year by the manufacturer and
also at the start and end of each shift by the officer with
a calibrated speedometer. The distance to the target must be
a minimum of 10 times the height from the road.
Popular in Kent, Manchester and Wales forces, but fast becoming
the most popular form of mobile trap across the country. The
device can be switched for oncoming or receding vehicles. On
an interesting note the Lti 20-20 has been banned in certain
American states as the shake effect when using a heavy hand
held device can affect it's accuracy.
Mini Gatso
This can be supported on a small tripod about a metre off the
ground. Hidden next to unmarked cars, Motorway bridges and in
the bushes. They are very accurate. K or Ku band. However police
now prefer Laser devices.
Vascar (Visual Average Speed Computer
And Recorder)
Set at a minimum distance of 1/8 of a mile. The trap could
be white squares or round markings on the road but could be
any fixed objects of a known distance apart. A police officer
uses a time recording device to record the length of time it
takes a vehicle to travel through the speedtrap, once this has
been done it is a matter of time over distance to calculate
the drivers speed. This could even be done from a helicopter
or an officer on foot. As this is largely down to human judgement
there is a tolerance for the officers reactions. The tolerance
is the same at each end of the reading so the reading is thought
to be accurate enough for a prosecution.. This can be used in
conjunction with video for a safer prosecution.
ProVida
This is an in car video system which can be used
for recording poor driving behaviour and then be shown to drivers
to demonstrate their errors, it can also be used in court to
support the officers statement if needed.
Calibrated Speedometer.
An officer can simpy follow a speeding vehicle using a calibrated
speedometer this must be done over at least 2/10 of a mile.
Robic
This is a hand held stop watch calculating and indicating speed.
It can be used on foot.
An officer can make use of special markings in the road, police
motorcyclists like to use them because of there portability
being hand held.
Bus Lane Enforcement Cameras
Not quite a Gatso, but in some cities Bus Lane Systems are being
used to monitor bus lanes, using Gatso style systems with inductive
loops or Inboard Bus Video Systems. (The Video fitted on the
bus can usually be seen fitted on the front in the middle area
of the bus, a 9" square black window gives it away.) These
cameras watch out for offending vehicles using the bus lane
to drive down or park in. Offending vehicles get an NIP in the
post.
In use around London they are proving very effective in convicting
drivers that use bus lanes.
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