Did it get me?

[simpo two]

I was always of the opinion that the traditional gatso (the big yellow bastards) only measured the speed of vehicles traveling away from them - a view supported by the fact that the calibration marks are only on the same side of the road.

So I was surprised to be passing such a camera from the 'safe' side (ie towards it and on the other side of the road) when I detected a flash. I didn't see a second flash, but perhaps I blinked. When I saw the flash I was probably at about 45 degrees to the camera, and surely out of the line of 'fire' if one considers the calibration marks.

Hopefully it was an aberration (I saw a similar gatso flash a car at well under 30). What does the panel think?

[paolow]

this has been covered before a few times and IIRC the consensus is that youre in the clear and no-one on here has been done for this. i also have been flashed on the 'other side' a few times and heard nothing more.
short answer then:

youre in the clear

[jamescarter1981]

I was in the area car in Enfield last night, and nearly all our cameras flash when we're approaching from the wrong direction.

[simpo two]

Thanks paolo - I didn't think it had, then I wondered whether Plod had been going round putting 'two-way units' in them etc. Twice as much cash for half the outlay!

[TripleS]

On 17 March I saw a double flash from a Gatso as I was approaching it (in a village in Gloucestershire) and I thought that marked the end of my 46 years free from speeding prosecutions.

Well nothing seems to have happened so I guess I should be in the clear after all.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[deltaf]

Single or double flash on approach from the front = no nips......yet.

[philthy]

When it flashes you when you're going towards the camera, nothing to worry about, it's just in st you up mode. Designed to make you worry for three weeks. In fact when they do this they usually don't have a camera in them. It happened to me as I passed one going in the right direction, and an oncoming car triggered it. I went back to see if there was a lens looking out of the window....empty!!!!
Philthy

[woodytvr]

I have it on good authority that it means there is no film. Because there is no film it is imposible to calabrate and hence goes off if you speed towards it.

It's actually quite entertaining setting them off when people are driving through them.

[pdV6]

woodytvr said:

Because there is no film it is imposible to calabrate

For why?
A Gatso comprises several units:

1. A RADAR containing a computer that calculates the speed of passing vehicles by doppler measurements. Linked to...
2. A flash gun. Linked to...
3. A camera (that may or may not contain film)

Why would the presence or absence of film in the camera make any difference to the RADAR or its associated software?

[Mr E]

I'm waiting for the flash in my face to ruin my night vision, have an accident and then sue the scamera operators.

Need a decent witness or 40 though.

[mongoose]

ive been wondering about being caught facing cameras.the road angel doesnt detect these so i assumed you cannot get done?anyone know the official cast iron answer please?

>> Edited by mongoose on Friday 14th May 21:02

[deltaf]

Mr E said:

I'm waiting for the flash in my face to ruin my night vision, have an accident and then sue the scamera operators. Need a decent witness or 40 though.

Ill do it, but youll need to split the proceeds of "blaimes direct" with me tho Mr E..