High tech speed vans to detect drunk drivers from a mile away
New speed camera vans will be used by West Midlands Police and can detect people driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, as well as catching drivers not wearing seatbelts
14:45, 22 Feb 2025
Speed enforcement vans that can spot drink drivers from ONE MILE away are coming(Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)Police have unveiled new high-tech speed camera vans capable of detecting drunk and drug-impaired drivers[1] from up to a mile away. These vans can also spot motorists not wearing seatbelts or using mobile phones while driving.
Four of these new vehicles will be deployed in the West Midlands, operating around the clock. Each van, costing approximately GBP47,000, is equipped with the latest technology aimed at cracking down on reckless drivers.
The cameras are so advanced that they can capture high-resolution images of drivers using a mobile phone[2] behind the wheel from a mile away.
Officers also claim that these powerful cameras can provide evidence of people driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, approved GBP188,000 in funding for four new vans for West Midlands Police. He stated: "Speeding is a major factor in road collisions and it's something I and West Midlands Police are determined to tackle.
The vans will soon be out in action(Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)"This investment, via the Safer Streets Fund, will significantly enhance our ability to catch speeding drivers and make our roads safer for everyone. There is no place for dangerous, reckless driving in our region.
"There have been far too many innocent lives lost as a result of those speeding above the limit.
I look forward to seeing the vans out in action knowing the huge impact they will have to help improve safety on our roads."
The new mobile speed camera units will nab drivers who violate the fatal four guidelines - speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone while driving.
In 2023, a staggering 1,149 people were killed or seriously injured on the roads across the West Midlands.
This is in comparison to 1,1056 in 2022 and 932 victims in 2021.
They can catch drunk drivers up to a mile away(Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)The force, now equipped with eight speed camera vans, has set a goal to slash the number of road-related deaths by half by 2030.
Superintendent Gareth Mason, who leads the force's Roads Policing Unit, stated: "Our message is clear: if you speed, you will be caught.
"These additional vans enable us to have a greater presence in communities and at known speeding hotspots, sending a strong message that speeding is unacceptable.
It's hoped the increased number of vans will encourage safer driving(Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS)"Doubling the number of speed enforcement vans is a real game changer - this will significantly boost our ability to enforce the law across our road network.
"I'd like to express my gratitude to the PCC for securing this level of investment as we all strive together to help dramatically reduce speeds in our region.
"Our aim is to change the mindset of motorists.
Drive safe and don't put others at risk."
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