New Super Speed Camera on the M4

The police are taking the next step in tackling motorists with a new super speed camera on some of the UK's busiest roads.

The police have recently revealed their new weapon to tackle speeding and other motor offences which take place up to 1km away. This large-lens camera has the ability to zoom in to motorist’s vehicles before you even spot the roadside operator.

This new technology is currently in use along the M4 and the M5 with plans to use it other roads in the future. Officers use the long-distance camera and ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) to monitor how we are driving.

They claim that the aim of this was not to catch road users out but to make them more aware of the dangers on the roads and prompt them to drive safer to avoid serious accidents. We are used to seeing the short-range speed guns that have been in use for a number of years however this camera has the ability to capture clear footage and even still photographs.

Martin Surl, Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has stated that he hopes this will catch people using their mobile phones at high speed and reduce the risk of collisions. The project is currently being piloted along the A417 and A419 along with other spots along the M4 corridor. It is estimated that in just one location this camera will be able to monitor around 35,000 vehicles per day.

Different offences will be handled differently while some drivers will receive a warning along with advice on their driving while others will face prosecution.

“This is one of the county’s busiest roads which also has one of the worst accident records due to the way it’s used. Many people have come to me with their concerns about speeding and other safety issues along this road. We now have a chance to test a new model of collaborative road policing which, if it proves a success, can be put into practice elsewhere. The aim is not just to penalise motorists but to uphold the law by creating a change in people’s behaviour. But the police will enforce the law when necessary.” Said Mr Surl.

These new measures will be the used to determine longer term sustainability but will be subject to an evaluation at the end of the year to decide whether this is the best step forward to achieve safer roads.