New yellow cameras that are appearing?

[Cowley]

There’s quite a few of these popping up around Exeter at the moment.

In the photo below there was previously an old style GATSO camera next to the traffic lights on the left, which I’d always assumed was only triggered if you went through a red light (I might be wrong about that but I’ve never tested it ).

That’s recently been replaced with the new set on the pole to the right.



Here’s a slightly closer view (taken by Mrs C while I was driving).



A chap I know went through one at another site in Exeter the other day - which again was previously a standard GATSO at a set of lights, so not on an open stretch of road.

He’d recieved a ticket through the post saying that it had caught him doing 35 mph in the 30.

I’ve also noticed that some of these cameras have appeared in places that didn’t previously have a GATSO.

Does anyone know anything about these cameras, what they’re capable of doing and what they might be future proofed to be able to do at some point?

I’ve been told that they may be able to tell if you’re fiddling with your phone while driving? That seems a bit far fetched to me (not that I’d do that anyway), but is that possible?

 

[jfollows]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-68238858 says

The video element of the new cameras means drivers could be prosecuted for other offences such as using mobile phones or not wearing a seatbelt.

Also https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly73mvdrveo
New or upgraded cameras.

Also https://www.allianz.co.uk/insurance/magazine/car-magazine/mobile-phone-detection-cameras.html

What are the new cameras for mobile phone and seatbelt offences?​

The Acusensus is a new enforcement camera system mounted to vans or placed on the roadside. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) is able to identify poor driver behaviours and road conditions, which can detect whether drivers are holding a mobile phone and if they have their seatbelts fastened. If that happens, any drivers caught on their mobile phone or anyone not wearing a seatbelt can expect to be warned or fined accordingly.

The idea that a camera determines that I’m behaving badly doesn’t fit well with me, but we’ve allowed our politicians and police to get away with this sort of thing for years.

 

[hexagon789]

There’s quite a few of these popping up around Exeter at the moment.

In the photo below there was previously an old style GATSO camera next to the traffic lights on the left, which I’d always assumed was only triggered if you went through a red light (I might be wrong about that but I’ve never tested it ).

That’s recently been replaced with the new set on the pole to the right.

View attachment 185497

Here’s a slightly closer view (taken by Mrs C while I was driving).

View attachment 185498

A chap I know went through one at another site in Exeter the other day - which again was previously a standard GATSO at a set of lights, so not on an open stretch of road.

He’d recieved a ticket through the post saying that it had caught him doing 35 mph in the 30.

I’ve also noticed that some of these cameras have appeared in places that didn’t previously have a GATSO.

Does anyone know anything about these cameras, what they’re capable of doing and what they might be future proofed to be able to do at some point?

I’ve been told that they may be able to tell if you’re fiddling with your phone while driving? That seems a bit far fetched to me (not that I’d do that anyway), but is that possible?

I've seen them introduced recently here in Glasgow, two put in on a section of dual carriageway replacing older cameras.

 

[Cowley]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-68238858 says

Also https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly73mvdrveo
New or upgraded cameras.

Also https://www.allianz.co.uk/insurance/magazine/car-magazine/mobile-phone-detection-cameras.html

Hm. Wasn’t there previously a thing about cameras not being allowed to take photos of you face on for legal reasons?

Or was that an absolute urban myth?

 

[jfollows]

Hm. Wasn’t there previously a thing about cameras not being allowed to take photos of you face on for legal reasons?

Or was that an absolute urban myth?

They don’t need to anyway; the registered keeper of the car can be required to identify the driver as for speeding offences I suspect. However this won’t work for a passenger over the age of 14 not wearing a seatbelt.

 

[Gloster]

Hm. Wasn’t there previously a thing about cameras not being allowed to take photos of you face on for legal reasons?

Or was that an absolute urban myth?

I think that it may be more of a case of not being allowed to make them public except as part of the criminal justice system.

The best way to avoid problems with them is to drive in accordance with the law.

 

[Cowley]

The best way to avoid problems with them is to drive in accordance with the law.

Which of course I obviously do.

I currently have a clean license and I fully intend to keep it that way…

 

[StewLane]

They look like average speed cameras that we have in Derby

 

[thejuggler]

Average speed cameras. They are now becoming the preferred method on many roads.

It does however have unintended comsequences. They are now fitted on a local road, whuch has made a huge difference to how fast vehicles travel, but the local speeders are now using a straight 30mph limit road to do 70-80mph at quieter times as it has no cameras.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

They look like average speed cameras that we have in Derby

Agreed. There are several of these on a stretch of the A653 between Shaw Cross in Dewsbury, and Tingley Interchange (M62 J28). Average speed checks, 40mph limit.
That's not to say that all cameras of this design are used for that purpose. It's just a more up-to-date and compact design, some will be set up as simple speed cameras, some as red light cameras, and presumably some as multi-purpose cameras.

 

[The exile]

Hm. Wasn’t there previously a thing about cameras not being allowed to take photos of you face on for legal reasons?

Or was that an absolute urban myth?

Wasn’t it more the danger associated with the flash pointing at oncoming traffic? Data protection could easily be satisfied by auto blurring faces, as German cameras do to people in the passenger seat.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Aug 2025 ==

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-68238858
The idea that a camera determines that I’m behaving badly doesn’t fit well with me, but we’ve allowed our politicians and police to get away with this sort of thing for years.

Surely only a real issue if you’re not actually behaving badly? That said, I do agree that legal protections and restrictions need to keep up with the growing sophistication of various devices.

 

[Cowley]

Average speed cameras. They are now becoming the preferred method on many roads.

It does however have unintended comsequences. They are now fitted on a local road, whuch has made a huge difference to how fast vehicles travel, but the local speeders are now using a straight 30mph limit road to do 70-80mph at quieter times as it has no cameras.

The average speed side of things is an interesting possibility. The other new one that I noticed was fairly nearby I think and is also placed next to some traffic lights. I guess they’re about 500 metres apart.

 

[jfollows]

At least more drivers now seem to understand average speed cameras. When they first came in I’d see drivers speeding between them before slowing down to pass the second camera. Perhaps the receipt of speeding tickets trained them!

 

[Ploughman]

Average Speed Cameras.
Any truth in the myth that if you go through say a left lane camera and then through the Right lane camera.
They could not transfer the data so they could only track you in the same lane.
or is it total B*****S?

 

[MatthewHutton]

Average Speed Cameras.
Any truth in the myth that if you go through say a left lane camera and then through the Right lane camera.
They could not transfer the data so they could only track you in the same lane.
or is it total B*****S?

It was true initially when they introduced them for roadworks on the A34 for the first time. They fixed them before that set of roadworks was completed - and certainly for the subsequent roadworks on the other carriageway.

 

[WibbleWobble]

Average Speed Cameras.
Any truth in the myth that if you go through say a left lane camera and then through the Right lane camera.
They could not transfer the data so they could only track you in the same lane.
or is it total B*****S?

When "SPECS" cameras were first introduced, the government type certification only allowed same lane captures. This was why you would have one camera per lane.

However this restriction hasn't been in place for a good number of years now as technology has improved - this has allowed for one camera to cover all lanes.

 

[Topological]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-68238858 says

Also https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly73mvdrveo
New or upgraded cameras.

Also https://www.allianz.co.uk/insurance/magazine/car-magazine/mobile-phone-detection-cameras.html

The idea that a camera determines that I’m behaving badly doesn’t fit well with me, but we’ve allowed our politicians and police to get away with this sort of thing for years.

This link from the RAC has a good picture too: RAC 2024 article about new cameras

Artificial intelligence speed cameras are devices placed at the roadside that can determine if a driver is using a mobile phone – or if anyone in the vehicle is not wearing their seatbelt.

They can also be used to detect how fast someone is travelling and send a report on the make, model, and number plate of a vehicle.

The images the AI speed camera captures can be processed to give police a full picture of the passengers and interior of a car, van, or cab of a truck.

AI speed cameras in the UK are linked to all UK police and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) databases, so checks on car tax and insurance can also be carried out.

These things are everywhere now.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 8 Aug 2025 ==

At least more drivers now seem to understand average speed cameras. When they first came in I’d see drivers speeding between them before slowing down to pass the second camera. Perhaps the receipt of speeding tickets trained them!

Still happens all the time in the 50 sections of the M4 at Port Talbot and Newport. Very annoying.

Though more that people will happily do 54 and then slow to 48 to pass the camera...

 

[125Spotter]

Average Speed Cameras

Does anyone know how multiple (more than two) specs / average speed cameras tend to be ‘paired’ for making the speed calculation? And what happens if someone trips more than a single pair – do they receive multiple tickets?

For example, say there’s a run of 5 cameras enforcing a 50 mph section on a dual carriageway. Would we expect each camera to be ‘paired’ to its adjacent one, hence resulting in at least four average speeds being calculated (1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5) with the possibility of more if longer sections are also paired e.g. 1-5?

Or, is the pairing over the entire end to end distance that the vehicle traverses (so allowing for intermediate entrance and exit that might not pass all cameras in the installation)?

If multiple pairs are used, one assumes it is theoretically possible for someone to receive multiple tickets if they speed through distinct pairs – although in reality I wonder if such cases are collapsed to a single offence?

There are some very long average speed check sections in parts of the country, and so I’ve always been curious what the precedent is for the average speed calculation between cameras. (I’ve not been caught by any, and don’t intend to be!)

 

[PeterC]

Does anyone know how multiple (more than two) specs / average speed cameras tend to be ‘paired’ for making the speed calculation? And what happens if someone trips more than a single pair – do they receive multiple tickets?

For example, say there’s a run of 5 cameras enforcing a 50 mph section on a dual carriageway. Would we expect each camera to be ‘paired’ to its adjacent one, hence resulting in at least four average speeds being calculated (1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5) with the possibility of more if longer sections are also paired e.g. 1-5?

Or, is the pairing over the entire end to end distance that the vehicle traverses (so allowing for intermediate entrance and exit that might not pass all cameras in the installation)?

If multiple pairs are used, one assumes it is theoretically possible for someone to receive multiple tickets if they speed through distinct pairs – although in reality I wonder if such cases are collapsed to a single offence?

There are some very long average speed check sections in parts of the country, and so I’ve always been curious what the precedent is for the average speed calculation between cameras. (I’ve not been caught by any, and don’t intend to be!)

My understanding is that cameras are in simple pairs and are not joined in multiple. Some pairs may be inactive and some cameras may be dummies.

With this new style of camera things may change.

 

[renegademaster]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-68238858 says

Also https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly73mvdrveo
New or upgraded cameras.

Also https://www.allianz.co.uk/insurance/magazine/car-magazine/mobile-phone-detection-cameras.html

The idea that a camera determines that I’m behaving badly doesn’t fit well with me, but we’ve allowed our politicians and police to get away with this sort of thing for years.

They still need a human to actually verify it

 

[edwin_m]

The idea that a camera determines that I’m behaving badly doesn’t fit well with me, but we’ve allowed our politicians and police to get away with this sort of thing for years.

Would you prefer that people continued with behaviours that threaten their own lives and others, or to pay more taxes for police to spend their time driving around looking for these offences?

Average speed cameras. They are now becoming the preferred method on many roads.

It does however have unintended comsequences. They are now fitted on a local road, whuch has made a huge difference to how fast vehicles travel, but the local speeders are now using a straight 30mph limit road to do 70-80mph at quieter times as it has no cameras.

The fact they are average cameras makes no difference to this, other than making the first road safer. A certain demographic considers they have a right to speed on our public roads and will seek out those where they are least likely to get caught.

 

[crablab]

To be clear, the cameras described by Cowley are not an average speed camera.

We have one of these in Reading:

A red-light camera has been installed at a pedestrian crossing on the A4 in Calcot.

The cameras will capture red light jumpers at the crossing and, when the crossing lights are green, they operate as speed cameras.

The crossing is near two Calcot schools and is one of the first in the Thames Valley to be equipped with them.

This site is one of three locations selected for the project between Thames Valley Police and local authorities.

The aim is to tackle traffic violations and improve road safety for pedestrians following ongoing community concerns about red-light running in this area.

Council data shows that red-light violations peak during school terms, with around 22 per cent of drivers running the red-light during school hours, compared to seven per cent during half-term.

Parents are encouraged to use the Park and Stride scheme from Linear Park, which connects with the A4 Calcot crossing as this route helps families avoid restricted roads and supports safer walking and cycling routes to school.

Stuart Gourley (Lib Dem, Newbury Clay Hill), executive member for highways at West Berkshire Council, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Thames Valley Police on this road safety initiative, especially at such a busy crossing on the A4 in Calcot.

“With the new red-light cameras, we’re tackling a longstanding concern from residents and making sure families and children have a safer crossing on their way to school.

“This is just one of the ways we’re committed to making West Berkshire’s roads safer for everyone and continuing to improve our highways.”

Detective chief inspector Justin Thomas, joint operations head of roads policing: said: “Safety on our roads is a priority for Thames Valley Police and our partners.

“The cameras will hopefully protect those using the Calcot crossing, as well as to reduce collisions where red light jumping has become an issue.

“The consequences of jumping a red light where pedestrians are crossing has potentially fatal consequences.

“I would urge motorists to take extra care, slow down and never run the risk.

“We will continue to work with our partners in order to make our roads a safer place for everyone.”

Red light traffic camera installed on busy A4 with crossing by school

A red-light camera has been installed at a pedestrian crossing on the A4 in Calcot.

www.readingchronicle.co.uk

Notably it's multi-purpose, being both a red light and speed camera. It might superficially look like an average speed camera, but it's not.

 

[AM9]

They may also be linked into local (usually town centre) security systems Most towns now have them, and those systems can access ANPR databases to track 'vehicles of interest'.
The solution for drivers is not to behave in a way that enrols them on such lists.

 

[styles]

The idea that a camera determines that I’m behaving badly doesn’t fit well with me, but we’ve allowed our politicians and police to get away with this sort of thing for years.

It doesn't. Photos/footage from these cameras are manually reviewed by humans.

From National Highways:

The images are initially processed using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse whether the motorists could be using a handheld mobile phone or people in the vehicle are not wearing a seat belt. If the AI calculates a high probability of an offence, the images are sent on for human review, and potentially for consideration of further action by the Police.

 

[Bayum]

We’ve got several of these newer ones in Leeds. They seem to be able to function in the same roles as previous but including average speed. The ones on the A64(M) have signs that specifically say they’re average speed cameras rather than single point.
The quality of video/image is much greater than the previous cameras and, anecdotally, I’ve been told/read that they can also pick up on things like use of phone, no seat belt etc but I’m not sure how these would be picked up and whether a penalty for either would be in conjunction with breaking the speed limit/passing through a red light. Otherwise, I’m not sure how it would be triggered.

 

[Acathater]

Hm. Wasn’t there previously a thing about cameras not being allowed to take photos of you face on for legal reasons?

Or was that an absolute urban myth?

No, not true. Though cameras which took a photo using a flash were banned from taking photos from the front for safety reasons: there was a risk of dazzling the driver. Flashless face shots were allowed. These were usually associated with cameras which were triggered by rumble strips embedded in the road rather than radar and weren't common.

 

[Cowley]

No, not true. Though cameras which took a photo using a flash were banned from taking photos from the front for safety reasons: there was a risk of dazzling the driver. Flashless face shots were allowed. These were usually associated with cameras which were triggered by rumble strips embedded in the road rather than radar and weren't common.

Thanks for that. Thinking about it as well, the mobile ones take approaching shots anyway (as I know to my cost).

 

[styles]

I’ve been told/read that they can also pick up on things like use of phone, no seat belt etc but I’m not sure how these would be picked up and whether a penalty for either would be in conjunction with breaking the speed limit/passing through a red light.

Never really thought about what happens if they detect multiple offences at the same time.

If someone was done for both multiple phone use and speeding, that's 9 points straight off the bat.

 

[Topological]

Never really thought about what happens if they detect multiple offences at the same time.

If someone was done for both multiple phone use and speeding, that's 9 points straight off the bat.

To be fair, someone using their phone and speeding is definitely dangerous on the road.

On Tuesday it would have been good if the Port Talbot cameras did phone use. There was a car in the right of the two lanes repetitively slowing to 45mph. When I finally got past, my passenger observed the driver was on her phone. She would have passed 5 cameras at least with that behaviour.

 

[Bayum]

Never really thought about what happens if they detect multiple offences at the same time.

If someone was done for both multiple phone use and speeding, that's 9 points straight off the bat.

Oh it’s definitely a thing. And yes. You get the points attributed to both offences.