New high-tech police speed cameras can detect phone users and no seatbelts

The high-tech vehicles are also on the lookout for individuals flouting seatbelt laws or using mobile phones while driving.

02:37, 21 Feb 2025

Drivers could be spotted from over a mile away with the police's new high-tech equipment(Image: SWNS)

New high-tech speed cameras are being rolled out on the nation's road network in a bid to improve safety and catch those drivers who are engaging in dangerous behaviour, known as the 'fatal four'.[1]

Motorists [2] driving through the West Midlands will see an increase in road safety measures with the deployment of four new high-tech enforcement vans. The vans are designed to target individuals who ignore seatbelt laws and use mobiles while driving.

Each van, valued at roughly GBP47,000, promises round-the-clock operation and is equipped with advanced technology capable of taking clear images of drivers committing offenses even from a mile away, this includes evidence of drug-impaired driving.

The area's Police and Crime Commissioner,[3] Simon Foster, approved the significant expenditure of GBP188,000 on these state-of-the-art vehicles as part of his commitment to tackling speeding and making the roads safer. "Speeding is a major factor in road collisions, and it's something I and West Midlands Police are determined to tackle," he said.

New cameras can spot violations from a mile away(Image: (Image: SWNS))

Foster emphasised the investment's potential impact, stating: "This investment, via the Safer Streets Fund, will significantly enhance our ability to catch speeding drivers and make our roads safer for everyone."

He also expressed zero tolerance towards perilous driving attitudes within the region: "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."

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster(Image: (Image: SWNS))

The West Midlands has seen a worrying spike in road casualties, hitting an all-time high of 1,149 people killed or seriously injured last year, reports the Express [4].

In response, the police are deploying these new mobile cameras to crack down on what they term the 'fatal four' violations: speeding, driving whilst impaired by alcohol or drugs, neglecting to wear seatbelts, and using mobile phones behind the wheel.

To confront the rise in road accidents, the force is introducing eight additional speed camera vans and committing to halving road deaths by 2030.

Superintendent Gareth Mason of the Roads Policing Unit issued a stern warning: "Our message is clear: if you speed, you will be caught."

He further highlighted the impact of increased visibility in communities and notorious speed areas, citing: "These additional vans allow us to be more visible in communities and at known speeding hotspots, sending a strong message that speeding is unacceptable."

The West Midlands police force is adoubling its fleet of speed camera vans(Image: (Image: SWNS))

He added: "Doubling the number of speed enforcement vans is a real game changer - this will dramatically strengthen our capacity to enforce the law across our road network."

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In expressing his thanks for the new funding, Superintendent Mason said: "I'd like to thank the PCC for securing this level of investment as we all work together to help dramatically drive down speeds in our region."

Underlining their ultimate goal, he declared: "Our aim is to change the mindset of motorists.

Drive safe and don't put others at risk."

References

^ 'fatal four'. (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
^ Motorists (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
^ Police and Crime Commissioner, (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
^ the Express (www.express.co.uk)