Do Scamera vans operate during hours of darkness?

[gixxer1000]

Was just wondering whether these tykes operate during hours of darkness given that they rely on video for accompanying evidence.

Is the video to capture the registration plate of the vehicle, or the face of the driver?

If it's the face of the driver then presumably that doesn't work in the dark (unless they have some fancy light filtering lens).

Also, is it possible to get a laser lock on a vehicle in the dark? I understand that they aim for the numberplate, being the most reflective surface on the vehicle. Presumably then the general glare from the headlights could make it impossible to lock onto the plate?!?

Any thoughts?

[Godfrey H]

Darkness wouldn't defeat the laser but it might defeat the video to record the number plate. I must admit I wondered about the answer to this question myself.

[Westy Carl]

During the M1 (J16 - J13) roadworks a few months back, Vans were regularly on the bridge over J15 during the night.

Motorway was well lit though with extra lights (presumably for the roadworks)

[jmorgan]

Woudn't mind betting that they are being trialed (lots of little birds around here). First the motoring public will find out about it is the NIP on the mat a few day's later.

[regmolehusband]

If I saw one operating at night or dusk around my way, and there was nothing coming the other way, I'd have make sure my headlights were on main beam which is probably not too comfortable when looking through a long lens

[hertsbiker]

...if any "nasty" person was to park their car some way up the road... walk back, and administer some instant justice, it would be a lot harder to see them if it was dark.

[superlightr]

hahahaha

[simpo two]

They certainly do. One went off in my face (triggered bya car going the other way) and surprised and dazzled me. I was furious. I wrote to the Chief Constable asking what would have happened if, whilst blinded, I'd knocked a child off its bike. They just replied that it was Home Office Approved.

Heads they win, tails you lose.