Camera vans?

[NickD]

Having been caught out by one of these before so I should really know the answer to this question, but how exactly do camera vans operate, is it based on an average speed over a distance, or a reading at a fixed point, and if so where (roughly) is that point?

I passed one in Rotherham this morning on a 50 limit dual carriageway. When I first saw it I was doing around 70, got on the brakes and passed it doing around 40, but i'm not sure how, or where your speed is measured.

Anyone got any idea?
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[cunni]

I've got no idea either, so I'd be interested in the facts. I assume the point is where ever they want it to be. with all this modern technology, don't they just need to calibrate a distance then point and fire? If so, then they could have got you right at the limit of their credible vision!

Are you sure they weren't Tax disc spotters?
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[mchaggis]

As far as I am aware, they either use radar speed guns, or laser speed guns. What they do is simply work out the speed from the difference in times it takes to receive the reflected signal of two consecutive pulses bounced off your vehicle.

Point and shoot I believe, if it's in the line of sight, then the only limit is the steadiness of the operator's hand. ie, if they can see you, they can get you, especially if it's on a tripod in the back of the van.
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[Zero-G]

The mobile ones tend to just be video camera's i think. Then back at HQ etc they check the time it takes for you to go between 2 set points on the video. If it takes shorter than a certain time, you are speeding.

This could be complete pigeon poo though.

[Key67]

Hi - my understanding is that the equipment is video and laser. The laser gives your speed and the video records your reg. The lasers are good for around a mile, so you need to drop your speed pretty damn quick!

Other systems are also used such as ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition). Cameras pick up your no plate and cross reference it with the DVLA database etc and check for road fund licence, Insurance etc. I've noticed that these systems are used by Police and the DVLA, you see them quite often on motorway bridges. When the Police use them, they are usually backed up with cars further down the road to pull you over. Great Eh?

Key
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[MZ125]

alright mate I think they r on a laser trigger but I have been caught by 1 before witch way was it looking cause I just argued it when it came thru the post cause I found out the officer puts your reg on a peice of paper and they need photo graphic evidence
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bandit 600 honest i dont brake the speedlimit I just dont stick 2 it

[Kickstart]

Hi

Laser and camera, but they can just write your registration down.

Range is up to about 1km.

All the best

Keith
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[Key67]

[map]

Most of the camera vans I've seen at the side of the road have the little hatches for the equipment open facing the traffic. I'm not sure if there's anything extra facing forward (i.e. as the traffic goes past and disappears). So if that's the case aren't bikes not included as no forward number plate.

However, have been told those on the motorway bridges do catch the back plate of cars as that's the picture sent to you. So now I'm not sure

Can anyone clarify?
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