New Smart Speed Cameras trialled
High tech cameras appear on our streets
Lucy England
There are some new additions to the street furniture appearing on our capital's streets. High tech cameras are out, standing tall and detecting speeding drivers already. This new generation of cameras don't need the old street markings and no longer flash when they catch a speeding driver, they just stand like silent sentinels beside the roads watching the traffic.
They work by using new 4D radar and 4K colour, which doesn't need a flash or white light and no in-ground sensors or road markings for assistance. They can see across 5 lanes of traffic going in different directions – really advanced technology which can capture a lot of information about the traffic under scrutiny, including distance, direction of travel and elevation. These cameras should also be able to see drivers using mobile phones while driving and not wearing seatbelts.
The new cameras employ sensor technology and high resolution cameras which produce better images and more information. Current speed cameras can only spot speeding across three lanes of traffic which is travelling in the same direction, the new cameras are a whole new ball game.
They are being tested at nine places in London where there are currently 20 or 30 mph speed limits. The areas where these advanced cameras are being trialled are Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Havering, Tower Hamlets, Croydon, Brent, Hackney, Ealing and Sutton.
There is currently no fixed period for the trial and according to TFL the results will be continually assessed.
Transport for London have declared that this upgrade is necessary in order to 'maintain consistent enforcement', it would seem that the old speed cameras are now outdated and not managing the job.
The aim, according to TFL and the Met Police, is to make London's roads safer by upgrading the camera network to stop speeding, reduce road danger and save lives.
The IAM says that the new tech may help to combat non compliance where there are 20mph speed limits in London which are often ignored, plus spotting drivers using their phones while driving.
Have you seen any of the new cameras at the roadside yet? Any thoughts on this? Will it be safer for motorcyclists if motorists are slowed down and prevented from using their phones at the wheel or, as far as you are concerned is it just more 'big brother is watching you'?
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