Speed Cameras Question

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Hi guys

I passed what looked like a speed camera yesterday.

It was quite a large device mounted on a tripod at the side of the road operated by two guys with fluorescent jackets on. There wasn't a van around.

At first I thought it might be surveyors with that camera like device they use, but it was a lot bigger than that.

Do we need to start looking out for these devices now as well?

[Jasandjules]

You need to keep an eye out for everything, including hidden objects which may in fact be "motorist tax collection devices" (Home Office Approved actual terminology).

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Cheers!

Looks like I may be getting a Citroen 2CV at this rate so I can fully enjoy it!

[Boosted LS1]

Yep, it was probably a camera. I've seen them before, close up. The van would have been around the corner or nearby.

[Puddenchucker]

Possibly a Mini Gatso?

[Boosted LS1]

^ Not sure how they would corroborate the speed though? I've seen some looking like a mini truvello and also seen the ones using 3 wires across the road.

[SS2.]

Puddenchucker said:

Possibly a Mini Gatso?

Almost certainly not. The device known as a Mini Gatso (which is not the same as a portable Gatso) no longer has Home Office Type Approval.

[SS2.]

Boosted LS1 said:

^ Not sure how they would corroborate the speed though? I've seen some looking like a mini truvello and also seen the ones using 3 wires across the road.

'Portable' devices are supposed to provide corroboration of the operator's prior opinion of a vehicle's excess speed.

[Puddenchucker]

These things?
http://www.ukspeedtraps.co.uk/gatso15.htm

SS2. said:

Puddenchucker said:

Possibly a Mini Gatso?

Almost certainly not. The device known as a Mini Gatso (which is not the same as a portable Gatso) no longer has Home Office Type Approval.

Good. One less distraction to scan the roadside for.

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Hmmmm - it may have been, although there were no bright markings on the device itself, just the guys standing behind it with bright jackets on.

[Boosted LS1]

SS2. said:

Boosted LS1 said:

^ Not sure how they would corroborate the speed though? I've seen some looking like a mini truvello and also seen the ones using 3 wires across the road.

'Portable' devices are supposed to provide corroboration of the operator's prior opinion of a vehicle's excess speed.

I'd forgotten that but these units seem to run all by themselves whilst the operators just stand about looking shifty? Do you suppose they have a remote control unit?

[SS2.]

Boosted LS1 said:

I'd forgotten that but these units seem to run all by themselves whilst the operators just stand about looking shifty?

Scammer operators, if so required, will simply claim that they only ever target vehicles where prior opinion was formed of excess speed. If so challenged and a full session video was released which showed vehicles travelling less than the posted limit being targetted, then the scammers' get out would simply be that they 'were verifying their ability to predict sub-limit speeds..'

Anyway, if I understand correctly, the portable Gatso setup still comprises the Gatso Type 24 +AUS. If this is the case, then perhaps prior opinion of an operator is not required (I'd need to check any specific HOTA conditions of the portable device to be certain).

The reasoning - the primary evidence from the Type 24 in fixed post installations is provided by the radar; the secondary (corroborative) evidence is provided by two photographs taken a known time interval apart. And Home Office Type Approval of the Gatso 24 was obtained without having to rely on surface painted timing marks to verify the distance travelled..

The scary conclusion - could it be possible for a portable Gatso Type 24 to be operated unmanned - without the requirement for prior opinion or any graduated timing marks on the road surface ?

Edited by SS2. on Monday 25th February 20:06

[Boosted LS1]

^ Interesting, thanks. The one I saw recently was forward facing and more like a truvelo on a tripod. When you mention a gatso I assume it would be rearward facing due to the flash or do they tint the flash as in a truvelo?

[SS2.]

Boosted LS1 said:

^ Interesting, thanks. The one I saw recently was forward facing and more like a truvelo on a tripod. When you mention a gatso I assume it would be rearward facing due to the flash or do they tint the flash as in a truvelo?

The Gatso Type 24 is not approved for front facing use so it would be rear facing, yes.

And I think that 'portable' Truvelo (DS2, Speedmaster) tends to be sited at locations where piezo strips have already been embedded into the road surface ie a portable camera at a permanent installation site.

[Boosted LS1]

^ Thats so daft but I know where you're coming from

[Boosted LS1]

SS2. said:

Boosted LS1 said:

^ Interesting, thanks. The one I saw recently was forward facing and more like a truvelo on a tripod. When you mention a gatso I assume it would be rearward facing due to the flash or do they tint the flash as in a truvelo?

The Gatso Type 24 is not approved for front facing use so it would be rear facing, yes.

And I think that 'portable' Truvelo (DS2, Speedmaster) tends to be sited at locations where piezo strips have already been embedded into the road surface ie a portable camera at a permanent installation site.

I'll check for the piezo strips but I don't think there are any.