Safe Speed Forums

)Hi All

I'm new here, and wouldn't have even known this place existed if it wasn't for me stressing out about a mobile camera van I passed over the weekend on the A3 (near Surrey). So "Hello!"

Lots of information on here, which I have been looking through, but I haven't been able to find any info with regards to what a mobile camera van operator has to do to catch a speeder. Does he have to physically be looking through a lense and take your picture as you approach, or is the system automatic?

The van was on a bridge as I came round a long sweeping left-hand bend, the side door was open, but the operator was inside the vehicle facing the front, rather than sitting behind a camera. Maybe he was making a cup of tea? If so, I'll have one sugar please...

Any advise would be much appreciated (apart from the don't speed or don't get caught type...)

Many thanks

RR

From the description, are you sure it wasn't an ANPR van (Automatic Number plate Recognition)?

Have a look 3/4 of the way down here

ANPR vans are often unmarked, so if it had safety camera van written all over it, forget I spoke.

There's usually two people per van, so you may have seen the guy who wasn't behind the camera. In theory (though it’s debateable as to whether they do) the operator has to ‘form a prior opinion of your speed’ before using the machinery to confirm this.

Sorry this is a bit vague.

Cheers Johnny.

It definitely wasn't ANPR, it was covered in livery. I couldn't see if there was a camera. Guess I'll have to wait to see if a NIP drops on the mat.

If it was a camera van (as opposed to ANPR) then the operator must be watching you to form prior opinion of your speed before ‘pressing the button’ (as Johnny pointed out). Also, the operator usually has to guide the camera to your lane or specific part of your vehicle to get the speed reading; this usually means looking through a lens to aim the device.

What speed do you reckon you were doing?

Advice: time will tell, in fact just 14 days (assuming the car is correctly registered to you). Don’t fret over it, just deal with it if/when it happens.


You’re not being prosecuted – yet – so the thread should be OK in here.

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Views expressed are personal opinions and are not necessarily shared by the Safe Speed campaign

Thanks Smeggy. Was doing 90-95

Do you know whether Safety Camera Partnership vans are operated by a single technician?

I'm normally a pretty sensible driver, but got carried away overtaking on a dual carraigeway. Will see what happens.

Thanks

I'm so sorry, I just can't resist....



You weren't overtaking Wile E Coyote after one of his dastardly schemes had failed to entrap you, by any chance?






I know, I'm sorry, I'll get my coat.


Joking apart, here's hoping you evade an NIP

MEEP MEEP!!

Shame it wan's an Acme camera...

It was probably of the same quality!!!!
Sit tight , and if you get any paperwork then take a look on Pepipoo or ask here before you fill it in!!

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Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

oops!

Was this in a 70mph? Or a 60 mph. This can make a big difference as to whether you get Fixed Penalty or "interview" before the beak!

(Assuming you did get pinged of course )



We do have a cam van here. Ours is what it says on the tin by the way - a a road safety van We have at least a two man crew in our van doing the hot spot rounds - with crew in a marked car "assisting" (No worries - they usually explain nicely why yer gettin' nicked )



I hope you were not listening to that song with the chorus

ROAD RUNNER R_R_O_OHH_AD--D_RUNN-NNN_ERRR!

at the time

But THINK! COAST!

Hope things work out for you. Might I recommend Grainger (English Country Garden" instead of wild songs though

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Take with a chuckle or a grain of salt
Drive without COAST and it's all your own fault!

A SMILE is a curve that sets everything straight (P Diller).

A Smiley Per post
FINES USfor our COAST!

Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon - but driving with a smile and a COAST calm mind.

I would have thought "Greensleeves" or "Sailing By" would suit too!

_________________
Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

Think it was a 70 as there weren't any signs stating 60 mph. Didn't have any patrol cars waiting up the road. Would they normally pull you over then? I thought you can still get a NIP through from just the safety camera partnership.

Was listening to 'East-bound and Down'...

But didn't have any Smokey's on my back door, come back.

IG is from Durham, where they do things a bit differently (apparently).

Normally just get an NIP in the post, but you'll know within 14 days if you are the registered keeper.

THanks peeps. Fingers crossed...

Apparently the A3 is 40 and 50 mph, not 60 or 70 .

Fingers tightly crossed indeed.

If you can, get back out there and closely check the signage. Photograph everything relevent.

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Science won over religion when they started installing lightning rods on churches.

Oops!

How could you have no idea what the limit is? Someone somewhere is not on the ball.

Granted it may have been abused by being set too low, but some people could base their actions on the fair assumption that others are largely respecting it.

Sorry if that seems harsh but it had to be said.

No need to be sorry mate. Indeed, I was not on the ball at all.

I was overtaking three cars that were travelling in the inside lane, there wasn't any other traffic on the road. Not even sure where I was on the A3 as I was being instructed by my passenger on where his sat nav was directing us to avoid traffic on the M25/M27.

for your honesty.

If you can take something positive away from this then it will be worth more than any potential NIP.

Be warned: if the operator did get you then you may have to appear in court to explain yourself and defend against a ban.

Cheers. I was in the wrong, not expecting to get away with it, but its good to get some questions answered so I at least know what to expect. Thanks for your help and advice.

Well, haven't heard anything at all!

Have become a much more conservative driver, so alls good.

Didn't stop a pesky Gatso from flashing me twice this morning when doing the speed limit (40 in a 40). Grrr

Happy New Year everyone!

RR