New two-way speed cameras to be installed across Britain

A new, advanced type of speed camera that doesn’t flash and can monitor traffic in both directions is being installed on UK roads.  

Created by Jenoptik, a German company, the VECTOR-SR is the latest in speed camera technology 

What does the VECTOR-SR do? 

The VECTOR-SR is one of the most advanced and versatile speed cameras yet.  

The camera is not only two-way, meaning it can take pictures of vehicles moving in both directions, it can also cover the entire road, rather than just the left-hand lane, so only one needs to be installed on a section of road. 

The camera can also be used for red traffic light enforcement. And it can even take photos of drivers who are not wearing their seatbelt or are using their phone while driving.  

How do the new speed cameras work? 

The camera uses a video-based system which works with a virtual grid system to judge if a driver is speeding. This technology is then validated by a secondary independent image-based software. This means there’s no need for road markings, one of the biggest signs that there’s a speed camera nearby.  

The VECTOR-SR uses infrared technology, meaning images can be captured via video recording and still photos. The technology means the camera doesn’t need a flash and will be able to capture images in all lighting and weather. 

The speed camera will also be able to identify vehicles and drivers quickly as it has built-in Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.  

Jenoptik has described the VECTOR-SR as an ‘integrated’ camera system, meaning the cameras can be attached to existing roadside furniture and do not need to be hardwired into the road network, making them very cost effective. 

Where will the VECTOR-SRs be installed? 

Transport Scotland have signed a contract worth almost half a million pounds to install the cameras in Glasgow and Edinburgh.  

Chief Inspector Mark Patterson from Police Scotland Road Policing said cameras ‘should remind drivers of the importance of travelling within the speed limit at all times,’ and that they ‘will ultimately result in improved speed limit compliance and a reduction in collisions at these sites’. 

There are also cameras installed in Cornwall, Deeside and some parts of Wales. And it has been confirmed by Greater Manchester Police this week that over 100 VECTOR-SRs have been installed in the city. 

Superintendent Gareth Parkin of Greater Manchester Police’s Safer Transport Team said: ‘The new and upgraded speed cameras across the city-region will ensure that drivers adhere to road speeds and do not engage in reckless or anti-social driving.” 

If you’d like to know how else the police are using technology, check out our blog on how the police are using AI cameras.