Safety on the roads is getting a tech upgrade in the UK with the introduction of the latest digital speed cameras. These new ‘ultra’ Jenoptik Vector-SR cameras are being rolled out across the country, after a successful trial in Greater Manchester.
A new government study analysed by Road Angel has found that as many as 40,000 UK motorists could be caught and punished when the authorities adopt the new technology.
Of all vehicle drivers, the study shows that 0.3% were observed using a mobile phone while driving, rising to 0.8% in the evenings with similar proportions in England and Scotland.
This estimates that 150,000 to 400,000 of the 50 million British drivers are still using handheld devices illegally while behind the wheel.
The Jenoptik Vector-SR targets not only speeding drivers but also those who are using a phone while driving or forget to do up their seatbelts. Unlike traditional speed cameras, the Vector-SR doesn’t flash, making it harder for drivers to know if they’ve been caught. They’re equipped with advanced technology allowing them to see inside vehicles, ensuring more comprehensive enforcement beyond just speeding.
Manufactured by Jenoptik Traffic Solutions, these cameras are more than just speed detectors. They serve double duty as red-light cameras, capable of catching motorists breaking multiple rules. Operating 24/7 without the need for road markings, they utilise infra-red low light technology for effective operation even in adverse conditions.
During the successful trial in Manchester, Transport for Greater Manchester analysed each route to strategically place the Vector-SR cameras at optimal points. The aim being to deliver significant improvements in road safety for all users by deterring speeding and promoting compliance with traffic laws.
With transport chiefs eyeing a national rollout, these high-tech cameras are about to become a common sight across Britain, nabbing thousands of unsuspecting drivers. Over in Scotland, a deal worth nearly half a million pounds has already been inked for installations in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
What do the new cameras look like?
Despite their advanced features, they maintain the familiar yellow paint of traditional speed cameras, but lack the traditional box-like structure and are harder to spot.
Where are these new cameras?
The new cameras are currently being installed on 25 routes in the north of England following successful trials in Greater Manchester, Devon, Cornwall and Wales. With funding from initiatives such as the Mayor’s Challenge Fund in Manchester, authorities are deploying them strategically to enhance traffic safety and compliance.
Superintendent Gareth Parkin from Greater Manchester’s Police Specialist Operations said: ‘These speed camera upgrades across routes in Greater Manchester are a fantastic improvement on road safety measures for all who live, work and visit the area. We have seen almost 600 people either lose their lives or be seriously injured between 2020 and 2022, this is completely unacceptable.’
What this means for you
For drivers, staying informed about these new cameras and where they’re located is crucial. You could buy yourself a radar detector that can also alert you to the presence of these fixed cameras – and avoid any issue resulting from a moment’s inattention.
With their expanded capabilities, it’s important for drivers to stay vigilant and adhere to all traffic laws, especially in areas where these cameras are installed. Positioned in accident black spots to improve road safety, knowing their locations can help you be particularly cautious and contribute to safer driving conditions. Whether you’re behind the wheel or in the passenger seat, staying aware of these advancements is key to staying safe.
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