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Mobile Speed Cameras

Police Constabularies across the country use a variety of mobile and hand devices to catch speeding motorists. These systems include; Mini-Gatso, TSS system and Teletraffic (laser guns). Mini-Gatso, the technology used in a Mini-Gatso unit is very similar to that used within a fixed position Gatso speed camera, using radar. Teletraffic police camera teams use mobile vehicle installed with laser speed traps to detect speeding traffic from a distance of 1000 metres. The police laser gun is aimed at a vehicles' number plate and then recorded on video film to record the vehicle speed. This system is generally best for tackling lengths of road, and may be used outside of signed locations.

Most counties across the UK have a 'Speeding Campaign' of some form particularly during festive times when there are more motorists on the road and when people have busier schedules.

Many Police Constabularies and local authorities have routes where they regularly patrol and carry out speed checks. Wrexham for instance in North Wales has a campaign called 'Arrive Alive'. The campaign is fairly high profile, with a dark blue high top transit liveried in the logo "Arrive Alive" on the sides of the van. The van has blacked out windows in the rear apart from a small trapdoor in one window from which the camera lenses protrudes. Other counties have similar projects acting to deter speeding motorists, with some using equipment that first monitors passing vehicles speed and then on large illuminated signs flash up your current speed. Although few prosecutions result from this method, it is more to highlight 'speed' and speeding campaigns.

Recently, residents of a small village Milton of Campsie, on the northern outskirts of Glasgow have been given laser guns to allow them to work on the police-forces behalf. Though they cannot result in a prosecution the information will be passed on the police and could result in a warning letter being sent.

Police Officers in north Wales (March 2008) have been using a horsebox parked by the side of the road to hide a mobile speed camera. Last year Arrive Alive speed cameras in north Wales caught 55,704 offenders. Another 5,610 were caught by officers with hand-held laser devices.

Points and Penalties

Being prosecuted in the UK by a mobile speed/safety camera can result in a minimum of  3 penalty points and a £60 fine. This fine amount is currently under review by the government and may increase in near future.

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