Traffic light cameras

[daleherbert]

Does anyone know if the cameras that can often be seen perched on top of traffic lights are all set up to catch drivers who go through red lights or do some of them serve a different purpose? For example, do they have anything to do with the phasing of the lights?

[sddsddean]

They are just there to catch red light 'jumpers'. Microwave detectors (the 4" square boxes on top of the light head) are used to detect traffic and help the computer to 'decide' when to extend green phases on the light sequence.

[sddsddean]

Just re read your question; red light cameras are on seperate poles to the actual light head and placed about 15 feet before the white stop line. The boxes actually on top of the light heads are the microwave detectors.

[zipadeedodah]

As sddsddean says, red light cameras are not on top, but a little way before the lights. If you check out this thread from a week or so ago, it says similar, and gives a link to a picutre of a proper camera:

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/How-it-Works/Qu estion263723.html

[naz_nomad]

and flashing your light at them to make them change is bullsh..

they detect motion, not light

[daleherbert]

Thank you all for your fast responses.

[StevePil]

Hi
Does anyone know if the small cameras that sit on the lights catch you if you run a red light, i went through lights today just as they changed from orange to red and may have been speeding a little too, now im worried i may get caught twice for speeding and red light, even though i dont think was doing either, it just plays on your mind when you think you may have?
anyone know, they are small grey cameras, there was 3, 2 were pointing in opp direction and the other was pointing at the crossing
thanks
steve

[nickthegeeze]

sorry this more a question than answer but hope it might help. speed cameras usually have a warning sign as you approach. is there any legal requirement for them as most traffic lights in my area don't seem to have them. i was hoping there would be some sort of loophole around this or can anybody suggest some other defence.