speed cameras

[hiflier]

Can a speed camera take your picture if you're exceeding the limit but are approaching the camera, rather than the usual one where you're snapped whilst driving away from it? And, if a car is caught speeding going one way (lights flash, pictures taken), then, if a car is coming the other way and is also in the picture, can that driver expect a letter from Mr Plod too?

[Buenchico]

A traditional Gatso camera relies upon taking two photographs (and being able to check the vehicle's speed, if required, by its progress over the road markings), which is why there's a double flash.

Such cameras can't catch vehicles moving towards them, as the double-flash in the drivers' eyes could be dangerous. (Even a vehicle accidentally caught, as in your post, wouldn't be prosecuted for speeding - but the photograph might be used as evidence of excessive speed if the vehicle was involved in a serious accident just along the road).

However the newer forward-facing Truvelo cameras use a different technology. If it's one of these
http://www.speedcam.co.uk/g43.jpg
and you're speeding, expect a letter!

Chris

[welshlibranr]

My husband was driving my car when he was caught by a mobile camera, on a road that I drive regulary!................we assumed that I was driving the car!....not so!.......they sent a photo of him driving the car, and I had to explain that we assumed it was me because I normally drove that route, they accepted our explanation but it was obviously not a female driver on the photo, very definately him! it was very close up!...........