Can Speed Cameras be used for more than just speeding?

[dasherdiablo1]

Just wondering, having read todays paper about 'Big Brother is always watching us' do you think Gatso's, SPECS etc can be used (under current legislation) to prosecute for other offences such as tailgating or maybe using a mobile phone?

Just wondering if this has happened to anyone?

[Andrew D]

I've heard that the DfT are pretty strict on what functions they type approve for each type of apparatus. As far as I'm aware only red-light cameras perform more than one function (in their case traffic signal violations and speed enforcement).

I'm told (by a SPECS supplier) that the SPECS system is capable of a number of functions other than simply ANPR-based speed detection, but that they aren't type approved for anything else. Apparently they're capable of ANPR checking against the national database and conducting traffic (origin-destination) surveys, amongst other tasks.

[BigBob]

Andrew D said:

I've heard that the DfT are pretty strict on what functions they type approve for each type of apparatus. As far as I'm aware only red-light cameras perform more than one function (in their case traffic signal violations and speed enforcement).

I'm told (by a SPECS supplier) that the SPECS system is capable of a number of functions other than simply ANPR-based speed detection, but that they aren't type approved for anything else. Apparently they're capable of ANPR checking against the national database and conducting traffic (origin-destination) surveys, amongst other tasks.

Like any system that reads data and tranfers it to a central point, that information can be used for any purpose software is designed for.

At the end of the day a Reg No, a location, a speed and a date/time stamp are only bits of data. Once data is stored electronically it can be manipulated in way you like.



BB

[wonkysid]

not to sure about specs or gatsos, but i would imagine the video tape used in the mobiles units could be used as evidence of driving whilst on the phone, undertaking crossing solid white lines etc etc