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Mobile (vans) Speed Cameras

Hi

I was driving along a Dual Carriageway (70mph) today at 82 and noticed a speed camera van about 300m away, and hit the brakes and about 100m left I was down at 70.

The camera didn't flash; I'm wondering if they usually flash? Do you think I've been caught?

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Reply 1

nnnomi

... if it didn't flash you haven't been caught

because you were going at the correct speed

duhh

Reply 2

mfraser

nnnomi

... if it didn't flash you haven't been caught

because you were going at the correct speed

duhh

I hope you are correct, but I'm not sure (why I'm asking here)... I know rear facing fixed cameras flash (I think they are called GATSOs) but I'm not sure about the forward facing (which I went passed).

Reply 3

GapYear01

The mobile ones dont flash (I dont think) & the distance I think you will be ok because the range of the fixed speed camera isn't that long so I doubt that the mobile ones will be. Well thats what im hoping seeing as had the same experience yesterday:P

Reply 4

SouthernFreerider

..why do some people bother posting if they dont kniow what they're talking about?

not all speed cameras flash. the big orange stationary ones (GATSOs) flash you from behind.

handheld ones dont.

the very newest forward facing ones dont.

ive no idea what they use in the mobile vans.

Reply 5

Steeps

at 300m you've probably already been caught unless it was very busy. Enjoy your 2 week wait to see if the postie delivers you a present :smile:

Reply 6

Starless Eyes

The mobile units do not need a flash for enforcement during daylight hours. Apparently.

My guess would be you've been caught.

Reply 7

Arekkusu

In future just look for the signs, they're only supposed to position vans to catch cars speeding between the signs.

Reply 8

Steeps

Arekkusu

In future just look for the signs, they're only supposed to position vans to catch cars speeding between the signs.

Supposed to yes, however they don't have to. Common places also include recently changed zones (i.e 60 down to 40) as an easy cash earner.

Reply 9

mfraser

I don't know if this will change anything. Anyway, there was a car in the other (inside) lane to me... can these cameras track two cars at once?

Reply 10

one to one

The hand held laser ones are accurate up to 800 metres.
The vans likewise, however measurements are taken much closer.
Vans will also have video, which records constantly.
If you were travelling at an indicated speed of 82 mph you were probably travelling at a true speed nearer to 78mph, slightly lower if the tyres on your driving wheels are near the legal minimum.
Whether you get a summons / dealt with by the fixed penallty system depends on what threshold speed the operator has programmed into the system. If this follows ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) guidelines of 10% + 2 mph ie in your case 79mph, you may just get away with it.
No these camara's can't track 2 cars at once, however they could check both your speeds at different times, so both of you could have been caught. From what you say it is likely that both of you have.
Either way, that's not the point. Will you learn from this, only you will know?

Reply 11

CJN

My dad got caught by a speed van that didnt flash because it had a video camera, in very similar circumstances to you - he was also a long way away.

Reply 12

Walter Ego

http://www.ukspeedcameras.co.uk/guide.htm

14 days of worry :biggrin:

Reply 13

BackDoorEntry

"Police and civilian operators will use laser guns on vehicles when they come within a kilometre of the bridges. Under the rules governing mobile cameras, the vans must be visible from 100 metres. But most drivers will be caught long before they come within that range."

timesonline

Reply 14

aeonflux

I think you'll be alright. The speedo on your car is typically only 10% accurate, so at reading of 82mph it's unlikely you'll have been doing more than 74mph, which you are unlikely to get a ticket for.

Reply 15

1992LP

You will only get a ticket at 10% + 2 over the limit (79 mph) and most car's speedo's are a few mph out.

That, coupled with the fact you were far away and slowed down means I highly doubt you will get a ticket.

You should be fine :smile:

Reply 16

eku1s

Did you ever get a ticket for this?

Reply 17

mfraser

Original post by eku1s

Did you ever get a ticket for this?

This is a blast from the past!

Unfortunately, yes I did. Got caught doing 87 in a 70 - 3 points and a £60 fine!

Reply 18

Rybee

lol @ bump thread. That sucks though!

Reply 19

FubbyTucker

Original post by 1992LP

You will only get a ticket at 10% + 2 over the limit

Sorry, but that's not true. It's a misconception that it is the law, but it's only an ACPO recommendation which forces do not need to adhere to.
There are 3 points on my licence for a 43mph in a 40 endorsement that prove this.