High-tech traffic cameras installed on busy city roads can track more than just speed
Newport City Council[1] partnered with Go Safe to upgrade speed cameras located on some of the busiest roads in Newport. Last week, the work on installing these new cameras was completed. Roads affected include the A4051 Malpas Road and the A4042 Kingsway - which has been labelled one of the highest earning speed cameras across the UK[2] in the past.
The type of cameras installed are called VECTOR SR cameras, and they are capable of multiple things. As well as red light enforcement the cameras will also capture people speeding through signals on green and stand-alone spot speed enforcement. The technology is even being developed to monitor level crossings, according to Highways News.
They are reportedly, extremely accurate, tracking radar reports speed at +/- 2% accuracy, with one camera able to enforce up to three lanes of traffic. A spokesperson for NCC announced the partnership in December 2024.[3] They said: "The council together with Go Safe are installing a number of new and replacement traffic cameras in the city to enforce existing speed limits and control traffic lights. "The new cameras will be placed in the following locations:
A48 Langstone - Existing speed camera upgraded to a digital speed camera
A4042 Kingsway - Existing speed camera upgraded to a digital speed camera
A4051 Malpas Road and Bettws Lane - Existing red-light cameras upgraded to digital speed and red-light cameras
George Street Bridge/Wharf Road/Corporation Road junction - Existing red-light cameras upgraded to digital speed and red-light cameras
Wharf Road/Chepstow Road - New digital speed and red-light cameras"
GoSafe is the Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership whose "overall aim is to make people safer on Welsh roads by reducing casualties and saving lives."
More technology developed within the past five years has enabled GoSafe to introduce safety camera vans that can track if you are wearing a seatbelt or using your mobile phone.
A spokesperson for GoSafe said: "These cameras help us to encourage people to drive within the speed limits and keep everyone using our roads safe."
References
- ^ Newport City Council (www.newport.gov.uk)
- ^ one of the highest earning speed cameras across the UK (www.southwalesargus.co.uk)
- ^ A spokesperson for NCC announced the partnership in December 2024. (www.southwalesargus.co.uk)