►Jenoptik cameras set for national roll-out
►Camera has technology capable of seeing inside cars
►Distracted driving convictions predicted to skyrocket
New ‘ultra’ Jenoptik VECTOR-SR safety camera surveillance technology, is being rolled out across the UK. The advanced Jenoptik cameras detect distracted drivers using their phones or not wearing a seatbelt, setting a new standard in road safety monitoring.
A government study analysed by Road Angel has revealed that a whopping 40,000 UK drivers could be caught and punished as authorities adopt the new technology.
The National Highways trial began in 2021, with police using the technology to identify distracted drivers. Those caught received warning letters about the risks of their behaviour.
What routes are the cameras being installed on?
Drivers will see the new camera technology rolled out on 25 routes in the north of England, following successful trials in Greater Manchester, Devon, Cornwall, and Wales.
Transport Scotland has already signed a deal worth almost half a million pounds for installation across Glasgow and Edinburgh with the rest of the UK set to follow.
The cameras have been highly effective in catching speeding motorists across multiple lanes in both directions.
Additionally, the VECTOR-SR doubles as a red light camera, capable of snapping motorists who aren’t wearing a seatbelt.
Early trials in Devon last year saw four of the new cameras catch 3,280 drivers for speeding in just two weeks as motorists unfamiliar with the latest cameras, see them for the first time.
How does the camera set-up work?
The new speed cameras, unlike older models with their box-like structures, are less noticeable and operate without needing road markings or a flash to catch unsuspecting drivers breaking the law.
The advanced cameras capture footage of passing cars, snapping a selection of digital photos of the drivers.
Images of motorists breaking the law are then passed on to the police for consideration and further action if necessary.
If caught, drivers holding a handheld device behind the wheel could face 6 penalty points and a £200 fine, increasing to £1000 and a driving ban if taken to court.
