M8 cats eyes that read your number plates ??
Discussion
Dave J said:
Heard it on the radio and on BBC news today.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3645359.stm
Sue Nicholson said:
Speed cameras have to be visible from a certain distance, so evidence from them would not be acceptable in court.
Effing hell, what hope have you got when the RAC come out with total pish like that.
The evidence is not admissable, but not for that reason. It's because they are not prescribed devices.
To be fair - it doesn't say anything about reading license plates in the report...it goes on more about knowing if there is a queue and trying to warn oncoming drivers. It may be a good thing for road safety, lets not jump to conclusions and live up to the stereotype given to people on this forum.
BBC News said: The RAC in Scotland said the new cat's eyes "sounded like Big Brother stuff".
Spokeswoman Sue Nicholson said: "They are only being trialled as far as I'm aware, so motorists should not be too worried about them because they are not going to be used for enforcement.
"Speed cameras have to be visible from a certain distance, so evidence from them would not be acceptable in court.
"However, that is not to say that might not happen at some stage in the future."
Spokeswoman Sue Nicholson said: "They are only being trialled as far as I'm aware, so motorists should not be too worried about them because they are not going to be used for enforcement.
"Speed cameras have to be visible from a certain distance, so evidence from them would not be acceptable in court.
"However, that is not to say that might not happen at some stage in the future."
Check out www.astucia.co.uk
Manfacturer of this technology, they did develop a 'Catseye Camera' some time ago but not sure how far it's progressed.
Manfacturer of this technology, they did develop a 'Catseye Camera' some time ago but not sure how far it's progressed.
cazzo said:
Check out www.astucia.co.uk
Manfacturer of this technology, they did develop a 'Catseye Camera' some time ago but not sure how far it's progressed.
Some studs which change colour according to the particular situation are going to be trialled. Don't know where yet, when I do I'll post to let folks know.
What the numpties haven't thought through properly is that some us actually understand the system of different colour road studs already in place. ie red, amber, & green studs have significant and particular meanings.
Any trafpol care to comment?
More:
www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=14165141&method=full&siteid=89488%26headline=cat%2ds%2dspies-name_page.html
CAT'S SPIES Apr 21 2004
Hi-tech speed cameras hidden on Scots M-way
By Ian Dow
CAT'S eyes that can clock your speed, read your number plate and check your TYRES have been fitted on a Scots motorway.
The Government claim the hi-tech spies won't be used to fine drivers.
But if the cat's eye cameras catch you speeding, they can send your car's number to an electronic road sign that will flash it up for everyone to see.
Drivers' groups admit the hidden camera system can prevent crashes by warning of hazards on the road.
But one campaigner warned that it could be used to trap motorists in future, and claimed police and councils 'will do anything' to make money from fines. The 'Intelligent Road Stud' system is being tried out on the westbound M8.
Thousands of drivers have already been filmed without their knowledge on a 1.8-mile stretch approaching Junction Six at Newhouse, Lanarkshire.
The five-inch wide cat's eyes contain cameras which read number plates and record speeds up to 150mph. They can even check to see if a car's tyres are bald.
The cameras are connected to a computer which logs the number of any speeding vehicle.
And the computer will be linked to a road sign that can flash up the car's speed and registration and warn its driver to slow down.
The IRS system can also detect hazards such as fog, ice and heavy rain. Studs on the road flash to warn drivers of bad weather or tailbacks.
The technology has been developed by English firm Astucia. Bosses there insist there is nothing sinister about it and a spokesman claimed it could even help drivers avoid fines.
He said: 'The system is not designed for enforcement. It is designed for increased safety.
'The flashing road studs can be used to warn of a lower speed limit ahead.
'If drivers ignore the signs and flashing studs, then get caught by a conventional camera, they have no grounds for complaint. They will have been given plenty warning.'
He added: 'A conventional cat's eye relies on light from headlights. That covers about 90 yards in good conditions, less in fog and heavy rain.
'The Astucia IRS is visible at around 900 yards. It can also warn a driver in fog that he is too close to the car in front.
'The system does monitor the speed and number of vehicles on the road. If the speed and frequency drop, it can be a sign of an incident or accident ahead.
'A warning can then be relayed on overhead signs.'
Similar systems in America have cut the number of crashes.But anti-camera groups are still wary.
Mark McArthur-Christie, of the Association of British Drivers,said: 'There are tremendous safety benefits from this.
'But we must be on our guard. The people behind the existing speed cameras will do anything if they get a whiff of making more money.'
Neil Grieg, of the AA, said: 'This technology has benefits if it is used to alert drivers to dangers ahead.
'It must not be used to replace existing cameras. The purpose of automatic cameras is to deter, not convict.'
Speed cameras across the UK earned the Government £73million last year, compared with just £25million in 1998.
A Department of Transport spokesman insisted that the cat's eyes would not be used to nail speeders.
He said: 'They don't meet the legal requirements for enforcement cameras, which have to be visible from at least 60 yards.'
www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=14165141&method=full&siteid=89488%26headline=cat%2ds%2dspies-name_page.html
CAT'S SPIES Apr 21 2004
Hi-tech speed cameras hidden on Scots M-way
By Ian Dow
CAT'S eyes that can clock your speed, read your number plate and check your TYRES have been fitted on a Scots motorway.
The Government claim the hi-tech spies won't be used to fine drivers.
But if the cat's eye cameras catch you speeding, they can send your car's number to an electronic road sign that will flash it up for everyone to see.
Drivers' groups admit the hidden camera system can prevent crashes by warning of hazards on the road.
But one campaigner warned that it could be used to trap motorists in future, and claimed police and councils 'will do anything' to make money from fines. The 'Intelligent Road Stud' system is being tried out on the westbound M8.
Thousands of drivers have already been filmed without their knowledge on a 1.8-mile stretch approaching Junction Six at Newhouse, Lanarkshire.
The five-inch wide cat's eyes contain cameras which read number plates and record speeds up to 150mph. They can even check to see if a car's tyres are bald.
The cameras are connected to a computer which logs the number of any speeding vehicle.
And the computer will be linked to a road sign that can flash up the car's speed and registration and warn its driver to slow down.
The IRS system can also detect hazards such as fog, ice and heavy rain. Studs on the road flash to warn drivers of bad weather or tailbacks.
The technology has been developed by English firm Astucia. Bosses there insist there is nothing sinister about it and a spokesman claimed it could even help drivers avoid fines.
He said: 'The system is not designed for enforcement. It is designed for increased safety.
'The flashing road studs can be used to warn of a lower speed limit ahead.
'If drivers ignore the signs and flashing studs, then get caught by a conventional camera, they have no grounds for complaint. They will have been given plenty warning.'
He added: 'A conventional cat's eye relies on light from headlights. That covers about 90 yards in good conditions, less in fog and heavy rain.
'The Astucia IRS is visible at around 900 yards. It can also warn a driver in fog that he is too close to the car in front.
'The system does monitor the speed and number of vehicles on the road. If the speed and frequency drop, it can be a sign of an incident or accident ahead.
'A warning can then be relayed on overhead signs.'
Similar systems in America have cut the number of crashes.But anti-camera groups are still wary.
Mark McArthur-Christie, of the Association of British Drivers,said: 'There are tremendous safety benefits from this.
'But we must be on our guard. The people behind the existing speed cameras will do anything if they get a whiff of making more money.'
Neil Grieg, of the AA, said: 'This technology has benefits if it is used to alert drivers to dangers ahead.
'It must not be used to replace existing cameras. The purpose of automatic cameras is to deter, not convict.'
Speed cameras across the UK earned the Government £73million last year, compared with just £25million in 1998.
A Department of Transport spokesman insisted that the cat's eyes would not be used to nail speeders.
He said: 'They don't meet the legal requirements for enforcement cameras, which have to be visible from at least 60 yards.'
cazzo quoting Daily Record said:
More:
A Department of Transport spokesman insisted that the cat's eyes would not be used to nail speeders.
'They don't meet the legal requirements for enforcement cameras, which have to be visible from at least 60 yards.'
Well, that's an ominous sign; the government spokesman is lying already. Given that, why should we believe the first sentence either?
Sky news has been blethering on about this all night giving out ever increasing claims.
I think that if they are used for road and traffic information it's a great idea. EG they go blue when road surface approaches icing conditions etc.
As for all this camera stuff, well lets wait and see.
cheers
MoJo.
I think that if they are used for road and traffic information it's a great idea. EG they go blue when road surface approaches icing conditions etc.
As for all this camera stuff, well lets wait and see.
cheers
MoJo.
jeffreyarcher said:Maybe the "60 yard visibility requirement" is in the DfT document available in the HoC library. Of course, given government specifications and the twisted thinking in scammera partnerships, it might be (interpreted as) a requirement for it to be visible from 60 yards directly above.
More:
A Department of Transport spokesman insisted that the cat's eyes would not be used to nail speeders.
'They don't meet the legal requirements for enforcement cameras, which have to be visible from at least 60 yards.'
Well, that's an ominous sign; the government spokesman is lying already. Given that, why should we believe the first sentence either?
Actually, I'll give the DfT spokesman a plus mark for quoting in imperial measures
. And I'll give the Daily Record a plus mark for referring to spokesMAN
. Streaky
streaky said:
Maybe the "60 yard visibility requirement" is in the DfT document available in the HoC library. Of course, given government specifications and the twisted thinking in scammera partnerships, it might be (interpreted as) a requirement for it to be visible from 60 yards directly above.
No doubt it will be referring to the camera placement guidelines for partnerships; that 'requirement' has been in existence for > 2 years. But, as (I hope!) we're all aware in this forum, these 'guidelines' have not one iota of influence on the legal position. So, as I said, it is an outright lie.
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff