A advanced high-speed enforcement tool called the Jenoptik VECTOR-SR has been rolled out across Wales, England and Scotland.
Many people may not recognise this system, as it operates in a different manner from traditional speed monitoring equipment.
The reason for this is that these units can now peer inside cars, allowing them to punish motorists for violations other than just exceeding speed limits.
Furthermore, the VECTOR-SR operates with no visible flash whatsoever, meaning drivers have no way of knowing whether they have been recorded or not.
A new artificial intelligence-enabled speed enforcement camera has been installed in Southend, as part of a wider trial programme across Essex. The council gave the green light to deploy this technology via a scheme managed by the Safer Essex Road Partnership and Essex Police.
What can these speed cameras do?
The state-of-the-art bidirectional equipment can detect drivers moving too quickly in both directions and can also watch over vehicles across as many as three lanes of traffic.
The system employs video-based detection along with a complex virtual grid to assess whether automobiles are exceeding the posted speed limits.
This equipment marks the latest development in fixed-position photography technology from the German firm Jenoptik Traffic Solutions.
Operating as a dual-purpose traffic signal enforcement mechanism, this emerging technology flags drivers for additional offences apart from excessive velocity.
These units will photograph motorists who neglect to wear seatbelts and those who handle mobile phones while driving.
Unlike older models, this one requires no road surface markings whatsoever; the devices operate continuously, every single day of the week.
The machinery utilises infrared technology for conditions with limited lighting, enabling image capture through both static pictures and video footage. This eliminates the need for a camera flash, even during darkness or unfavourable weather conditions.
Where are these situated in the UK?
These units have already been deployed in Greater Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cornwall and various parts of Wales, with further placements scheduled.
Are speed enforcement vehicles obligated to remain visible at all times?
No legal obligations exist regarding visibility, which means personnel can work without being observed. Nevertheless, this method is rarely employed, and officials insist that visibility acts as an powerful deterrent.
Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer Gareth Thomas explained that legally there is no requirement to be visible, that he could conceal himself if he wished, but that the focus should be on fairness, education and preventing collisions. He noted that even if he simply parked his vehicle and took a stroll elsewhere, this would immediately discourage motorists from driving too quickly.