Queensland police trial new hand-held speed cameras that automatically issue tickets

[csv8]

Queensland police trial new hand-held speed cameras that automatically issue tickets

by: Greg Stolz and Jasmin Lill From: The Cairns Post December 16, 2011 1nt

POLICE will unleash a new hand-held speed camera that will prove expensive for lead-footed motorists this Christmas.

The hi-tech camera can automatically record hundreds of speeding infringements.

Police will reveal the TruCAM device as part of an arsenal of resources aimed at cutting the road toll, which stands at 22 fatalities higher than last year.

A nine-month trial of the laser cameras began quietly in September.

One went to each of the state's 10 police regions.

The devices have an in-built digital video recorder so police do not have to write out tickets. And unlike fixed or mobile speed cameras, there are no signs warning drivers of their presence.

As well, speeding motorists who try to fob off demerit points to relatives or friends will have problems, as the TruCAM also has facial recognition capability.


"It automatically issues speeding tickets, like a fixed speed camera," South Eastern police region traffic co-ordinator Inspector Karen Shaw said.

"So you could do one four-hour deployment and pick up 260 speeding motorists."

My comment..its not about revenue raising!!! pigs fly!!

[Geez Louise]

I agree. How exactly is this educating or indeed warning motorists that they are speeding or the dangers assocated with it?

[Falc'man]

Why don't they just leave people alone? Unintentionally going over the limit by 10-15km/h is not hard to do at times and the conditions usually dictate to a responsible driver (and I would say most are) whether or not the speed they're doing is unsafe.
The focus of a typical driver should be self preservation and avoiding disruptions. Instead motorists are now dumbed down to focusing on one thing, and one thing only.

[grandpa_spec_F6]

Originally Posted by Falc'man

Why don't they just leave people alone?

Because that's not profitable, as it is their departments are under funded so no wonder they want ways to make a buck.

[rancidpunx]

I think there was a thread on this new camera a few months ago. No idea it was secretly being tested out there though. Bloody pathetic, it really is.

If it is handheld then it still cant be 100% accurate and so there will be hundreds of wrongly issued tickets. Those on their high horses who will say "oh but dont speed and dont get caught" should also be worried.

The fact it also says that motorists wont have a clue about being caught is scary. I would have thought you could see the cop at the last moment hiding in the bushes as you catch a glimpse of yellow hi-vis. But does this mean they are allowed to sit in parked cars or leave the camera sitting in a bus stop or on top of / in a bin etc?

[Pedro]

There was one being tested on Hooker Boulevarde Broadbeach west bound a few weeks ago. I was east bound and saw it on the other side of the road. It was mounted on a tripod about 120cm high in shrubbery along side the road where you could only sight it on approach from about 50m away. A cop was standing out of sight further into the shrubs holding what seemed like a note pad.

"Police will reveal the TruCAM device as part of an arsenal of resources aimed at cutting the road toll...."

Can an intelligent person please explain how this or any other "speed camera" is going to cut the road toll?

[jpd80]

This is just another revenue stunt, it just goes to show that police and transport department are not
interested in preventing speeding. if they were, speedsters would be pulled over and the ticket given to them.
This is basically cheaper than buying a new radar van and having sites approved for its use..

I can't believe they haven't made E-tags mandatory to monitor speed, some bright spark will work that one out...

[DJM83]

So police don't have to write tickets

[atec77]

Originally Posted by csv8

Queensland police trial new hand-held speed cameras that automatically issue tickets

by: Greg Stolz and Jasmin Lill From: The Cairns Post December 16, 2011 1nt

POLICE will unleash a new hand-held speed camera that will prove expensive for lead-footed motorists this Christmas.

The hi-tech camera can automatically record hundreds of speeding infringements.

Police will reveal the TruCAM device as part of an arsenal of resources aimed at cutting the road toll, which stands at 22 fatalities higher than last year.

A nine-month trial of the laser cameras began quietly in September.

One went to each of the state's 10 police regions.

The devices have an in-built digital video recorder so police do not have to write out tickets. And unlike fixed or mobile speed cameras, there are no signs warning drivers of their presence.

As well, speeding motorists who try to fob off demerit points to relatives or friends will have problems, as the TruCAM also has facial recognition capability.


"It automatically issues speeding tickets, like a fixed speed camera," South Eastern police region traffic co-ordinator Inspector Karen Shaw said.

"So you could do one four-hour deployment and pick up 260 speeding motorists."

My comment..its not about revenue raising!!! pigs fly!!

I have to question the legality of these things , he facial software is dreadful and riddled with error as is the numberplate software, a good challenge will sink it when someone wealthy gets hit

[Streets]

Government supplies police with a brand-new high-tech ticket machine with rego and facial recognition so they can bring in revenue for other, non-police related, government ventures. Meanwhile police have to use a donated helicopter. Police officers rattle tins at train stations to collect money to support injured/deceased police and their families.

[EDManual]

What is the fine for having the wrong number plate on your car? Seriously if its not too steep you would have to consider that if you are getting too many points!

[csv8]

The usual PR BS...
Thank you for your email regarding new speed cameras which I referred on your behalf to the office of the Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services Hon Neil Roberts MP.

I have received the following response from the Minister's office:

"Thank you for your email regarding speed cameras.
The new technology mentioned in this article will complement existing police resources for road rule and speed limit enforcements.
The State Government’s road safety strategy consists of fixed and mobile speed cameras, specialist traffic police, high-visibility policing, upgrades to roads and road maintenance, and road safety education and awareness campaigns.
This includes an ‘anywhere, anytime’ approach to road rule enforcement. Speed cameras are not deployed to raise revenue.
With one in four road deaths in 2010 speed related, the Government will continue to do what it can to reduce speeding offences and behaviour"

[cobramania]

Originally Posted by csv8

This includes an ‘anywhere, anytime’ approach to road rule enforcement. Speed cameras are not deployed to raise revenue.
With one in four road deaths in 2010 speed related, the Government will continue to do what it can to reduce speeding offences and behaviour"

Ah, hello. If it's not about revenue raising & is all about road safety, then shouldn't the focus be on the causes of the 3 in 4 or 75% of road deaths that AREN'T speed related?

[EDManual]

Originally Posted by csv8

With one in four road deaths in 2010 speed related, the Government will continue to do what it can to reduce speeding offences and behaviour"

I always love this statistic! Remember that it was recently the QLD govt that released figures that show only 2% of deaths were because of "dangerous driving" which includes actual speeding!!!!! The one in 4 they talk about is at a speed they consider to be higher than the conditions allow, not speeding over the limit! And even then its only contributes to a crash! Even if its a 0.0005% contribution!

Lies lies lies!!

[jpd80]

Yes, 25% of deaths are speed related but what about the other 75%?

[ltd_on20s]

SA made $100 million from fines.

a rise of 25%

and gave out 700 fewer fines.


the federal and state governments do not care whether you, your wife, your kids live or die.

the only thing that they care about is this. $

[flappist]

Thank you for your reply.

I was not sure which way to vote in the upcoming election but your revinue oriented approach to road safety has convinced me that this extremely important duty would be better served by others who may put lives ahead of dollars.

The Premier recently stated that there is a toxic culture in Health that needed to be dismantled. I feel that there is also another toxic culture that has plagued QLD for many years and has lead to this revinue focused confidence scheme spin doctored as "public safety".

I have forwarded your reply to other potential members of parliament and and will now do my best to ensure that the next government will be more competent.

Yours formerly faithfully

I.M.A. Voter

[ltd_on20s]

Originally Posted by flappist

Thank you for your reply.

I was not sure which way to vote in the upcoming election but your revinue oriented approach to road safety has convinced me that this extremely important duty would be better served by others who may put lives ahead of dollars.

The Premier recently stated that there is a toxic culture in Health that needed to be dismantled. I feel that there is also another toxic culture that has plagued QLD for many years and has lead to this revinue focused confidence scheme spin doctored as "public safety".

I have forwarded your reply to other potential members of parliament and and will now do my best to ensure that the next government will be more competent.


Yours formerly faithfully

I.M.A. Voter

right. thats gonna work.

the next government in power will do exactly the same thing.

they don't listen , because we don't force them to listen.

[Road_Warrior]

How much did these whoop-dee-doo cameras actually cost? I bet they spent a shiteload of money to get them, now they will have to fine the **** off everyone simply to pay them off and QLD still does not have a proper Police helicopter if I'm not mistaken?

[AWD Chaser]

Originally Posted by csv8

"So you could do one four-hour deployment and pick up 260 speeding motorists."

Thats roughly 1 speeding motorist per minute...

I would suggest that if there is a road where you have 1 motorist speeding every minute in a 4 hour block... perhaps more police presence is needed....

[flappist]

Originally Posted by AWD Chaser

Thats roughly 1 speeding motorist per minute...

I would suggest that if there is a road where you have 1 motorist speeding every minute in a 4 hour block... perhaps more police presence is needed....

One a minute is exceeding the speed limit so:

a) There are squillions of people killed there every week.
or
b) The speed limit is too low.
or
c) It is purely revenue raising.
or
d) b and c......

[GT-E]

another pathetic blatant money grabbing exercise by a government with time running out.
ALP = NFI

[jason71]

I would suggest that if there is a road where you have 1 motorist speeding every minute in a 4 hour block... perhaps more police presence is needed....

or the speed limit is too low.

[Bridgette01]

Interesting...none of this bothers me. I haven't had a speeding ticket in over 12 years. I always watch my speed. However, I am in Melbourne, not Queensland, but if one sticks to the limit, what does it matter.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Bridgette01

Interesting...none of this bothers me. I haven't had a speeding ticket in over 12 years. I always watch my speed. However, I am in Melbourne, not Queensland, but if one sticks to the limit, what does it matter.

And in those 12 years how many kilometres have you driven?

You are in Victoria, a state that is nearly as big a some of the cattle stations up in the north.

Doing 120 in a 100 zone between Melbourne and Albury will save you a few minutes.
Doing 120 in a 100 zone up here can mean the difference between driving in daylight or fighting off all the night nasties (which WILL kill you if you are not careful).

How many wild animals have you had to take evasive action to avoid recently?
When was the last time you drove for 500km and met maybe 10 vehicles coming the other way while overtaking none?

The problem is perception. A high percentage of city dwellers have very little concept of distance or open roads while many country dwellers do not really understand high density traffic, city parking or road rage.

Trying to use city methodology such as speed cameras on country roads is as silly as using country methodology such as single lane bridges and 80km/h school zones in the inner suburbs.

[xr62nv]

i do not know if it is just me but it seems as though the tougher the government is getting with road rules the STUPIDER some people are becoming on the road.
It is now normal to see camry's and magna's and the entire toyota fleet for that matter travelling at 30-40km/h in 60-70 zones. AND i am not exaggerating at all.
In my opinion it is just dangerous, i witnesed trucks overtaking cars today, and for those of you who drive trucks you realise how many blind spots there are on a truck. Then there is the situation where one car is travelling the speed limit quickly approaches the camry who decides to suddenly brake. Or better yet the ones doing 70km/h on the right lane of a motor way.

I blame this all on the tightening up of road rules.

Oh and forgot to mention how safe it is when the hwy patrol officer does an illegal u turn over a median strip and exceed the speed limit by 40-50kmh on a busy hwy to pin someone for running an amber light.
Or how dangerous it is for us to talk on the mobile phone while we drive however officers do it all the time because they must be trained to drive and chat on a mobile. But then when the officer is off duty its illegal again cause there training doesnt apply there.

[Bridgette01]

Originally Posted by flappist

And in those 12 years how many kilometres have you driven?

You are in Victoria, a state that is nearly as big a some of the cattle stations up in the north.

Doing 120 in a 100 zone between Melbourne and Albury will save you a few minutes.
Doing 120 in a 100 zone up here can mean the difference between driving in daylight or fighting off all the night nasties (which WILL kill you if you are not careful).

How many wild animals have you had to take evasive action to avoid recently?
When was the last time you drove for 500km and met maybe 10 vehicles coming the other way while overtaking none?

The problem is perception. A high percentage of city dwellers have very little concept of distance or open roads while many country dwellers do not really understand high density traffic, city parking or road rage.

Trying to use city methodology such as speed cameras on country roads is as silly as using country methodology such as single lane bridges and 80km/h school zones in the inner suburbs.

Please correct me if I am wrong...are you saying that in certain conditions it's ok to do 120 in a 100 zone (I am not saying its right or wrong) However, I see your point from a country dwellers point of view. My point of view IS from a city dwellers perception and its worked for me for over a decade. In saying this, I guess I am lucky not to have come across a camera which was giving the operator incorrect speed data. If this were the case with me, my attitude may be different. So to those out there who challenge the accuracy of these cameras, I see your point and agree, it's a valid one.

I guess I am part of a minority of drivers who dont have a problem with speed cameras, regardless where they are situated, country or city as my driving style does not bring them into play. However, when I was very much younger, I ended up on the wrong side of these cameras more then once. Loss of licence and several fines. Then one day I realised that I cant keep living like this, my attitude changed.

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by Bridgette01

Please correct me if I am wrong...are you saying that in certain conditions it's ok to do 120 in a 100 zone (

I was on a country road for 2 hours one night and saw 1 other car. As long as you drive to the conditions I don't think its that bad to give it a few extra km/h.

Only thing you have to worry about is Kangaroos, but with a bullbar you just drive over them and keep on going.

[Bridgette01]

Originally Posted by flappist

And in those 12 years how many kilometres have you driven?

You are in Victoria, a state that is nearly as big a some of the cattle stations up in the north.

Doing 120 in a 100 zone between Melbourne and Albury will save you a few minutes.
Doing 120 in a 100 zone up here can mean the difference between driving in daylight or fighting off all the night nasties (which WILL kill you if you are not careful).

How many wild animals have you had to take evasive action to avoid recently?
When was the last time you drove for 500km and met maybe 10 vehicles coming the other way while overtaking none?

The problem is perception. A high percentage of city dwellers have very little concept of distance or open roads while many country dwellers do not really understand high density traffic, city parking or road rage.

Trying to use city methodology such as speed cameras on country roads is as silly as using country methodology such as single lane bridges and 80km/h school zones in the inner suburbs.

In regards to your wild animal comment....I did unexpectedly come across my Mrs in the hallway the other night, and yes, I took quick and decisive action to avoid a nasty collision

[cobramania]

Originally Posted by Bridgette01

Interesting...none of this bothers me. I haven't had a speeding ticket in over 12 years. I always watch my speed. However, I am in Melbourne, not Queensland, but if one sticks to the limit, what does it matter.

Just because you're sticking to the limits or not breaking the law, doesn't mean you won't get caught, & the police & their equipment is right.
My boss got fined for talking on the mobile phone last week, when a police car was stopped next to us at the lights, unfortunately, he wasn't on the phone, he was resting his head in his hand, leaning on the steering wheel whilst stopped. The cop wouldn't believe him, & he now has to go to court & prove his innocence, the cops took all my details too (I'm assuming as a witness). The court will summons his phone records from the phone company & find him innocent, the state tax payers will then pay all court costs, but he loses a days work & pay.
Plenty of innocent non speeding people have been fined incorrectly, by incorrect operation of speed measuring devices. If you've got time & money to waste proving you're innocent, because you don't speed (as you say), don't worry about it, otherwise it should bother you.