New ‘Ultra’ Speed Cameras Set to See Inside Cars
Motorists across the north of England are being alerted to the introduction of new ‘ultra’ speed cameras that have the capability to peer inside vehicles. The VECTOR-SR cameras, equipped with infrared lighting, are discreetly deployed to catch drivers exceeding speed limits and issue penalties as a result.
Originally launched in Greater Manchester to enhance road safety, the trial has now expanded to cover 25 routes throughout the northern region. While the primary purpose of these cutting-edge cameras is speed limit enforcement, they do not automatically detect other driving offenses.
Similar AI cameras have already been installed in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, with the grey-colored devices operational on key roads such as the A34, A53, the Hanley ring road, and the A449.
The implementation of these advanced cameras follows a concerning report that revealed a staggering nine million motorists were caught speeding in the last five years. Tragically, around 598 individuals were fatally or seriously injured due to speeding in the north between 2020 and 2022 alone.
Statistics from the National Safety Council underscore the severity of the issue, indicating that speeding contributed to 29% of all traffic-related deaths in 2022, amounting to over 12,000 fatalities. The new ultra-speed cameras, painted yellow like traditional models, are operational 24/7 in an effort to curb speeding incidents without the need for visible road markings.
A significant advancement in speed enforcement technology, these cameras have the ability to detect speeding vehicles on both sides of the road and even peer inside drivers’ cars. According to motor insurance expert Louise Thomas, this development marks a substantial leap forward compared to conventional speed cameras.
Dame Sarah Storey, Greater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner, emphasized the environmental benefits associated with the new cameras, including improved air quality and reduced emissions. With a commitment to Vision Zero, aiming to eliminate all road-related deaths and life-changing injuries, the city-region is dedicated to enhancing road safety measures.
As the UK road network boasts approximately 7,000 strategically placed cameras enforcing lower speed limits, it is evident that speeding remains a prevalent issue. Recent data from Freedom of Information requests unveiled that over 810,000 drivers were caught speeding last year, with a significant number exceeding limits of 50mph or higher.
In conclusion, the introduction of these ultra-speed cameras represents a crucial step towards promoting safer driving habits and reducing road-related incidents. As motorists adapt to this enhanced surveillance technology, the goal of achieving Vision Zero and safeguarding lives on the road becomes increasingly attainable.
