Speeding cameras are one way in which the authorities can ensure that road users abide by the law, at least for that portion of the road, with three variations of these tools currently being used in South Africa.
These include:
- Fixed cameras
- Portable radar/lidar scanners
- Average speed-over-distance (ASOD) cameras
Each one has its own method of operation but serves the same goal, which is catching lawbreakers in the act.
Fixed cameras
Fixed speed cameras are mounted at specified locations on urban and national roads and monitor drivers that break speed limits or cross red lights.
These instruments commonly use two techniques for speed measurement, the first being piezoelectric strips laid across the road surface that are able to convert a mechanical or thermal input into an electrical signal to calculate the speed of the car.
The second is radar technology that bounces a radio wave off a passing vehicle to measure the change in frequency and thus the velocity of the object.
These cameras may be erected in any location that conforms to the Technical Committee for Standards and Procedures guidelines, and motorists do not have to be warned that they are trapping in the area.
Where fixed cameras are installed, the photograph of the infringement must record the following details for the fine to be prosecutable:
- Date of offense
- Time of offense
- Location code
- Speed measured
- No obstructions apparent
- Where sensor lines are installed, a view of the whole width of the traffic lane covered by the lines
- At least two photographs indicating the position of the vehicle of the offender, with a clear image of the number plate
In addition, if no image accompanies a fine when presented to the alleged offender or licensed owner of the vehicle, a copy of the relevant photograph must be supplied free of charge upon request.
Portable scanners
In Johannesburg and Pretoria, the provider of portable speed guns is Syntell, whose mobile X1-A speed camera features “3D Tracking Radar” technologies and a high-resolution lens to catch perpetrators.
The device has the same radar-based method of operation as fixed cameras, covering up to five lanes of traffic and a maximum of 32 targets simultaneously, and it captures offense details in less than 0.5 seconds, according to Syntell.
For fines administered via a mobile speed gun to be valid, the traffic official that is actively using the equipment must have attended and passed a course on speed measurement and, if applicable, traffic light monitoring, as well as be in possession of a certificate that proves so.
In the event of being stopped, a driver may request a copy of these certificates as part of their rights under the National Road Traffic Act to determine whether the operator has the necessary qualifications to work the camera.
Should they be unable to furnish one, the fine may be declared unenforceable.
Additionally, these cameras must be calibrated at least once every 12 months by an accredited laboratory that will provide a calibration certificate upon doing so.
This certificate is a document with the serial number of the device, the date of the calibration, and the accredited laboratory’s details, and it can also be found on the unit itself, often in the form of a sticker.
The paperwork must accompany the hand-held scanner at all times, and motorists may request to see it if pulled over.
For both fixed and mobile speedtraps, the cameras may only start recording further than 300m away from a speed limit sign which indicates a change in speed zones, to give the motorist enough time to react. The reading may not be taken further than 500 metres away from the signage, either.
Finally, the cameras must have a clear and uninterrupted view of the vehicle for the duration of the measurement, meaning that where cars are overtaking each other and a reading is taken during the changeover, the fine may be declared invalid.
ASOD cameras
ASOD systems make use of two cameras set up a predetermined distance from one another on any length of road, generally intercity freeways.
The sensors scan your number plate when entering the ASOD zone and again once you exit it, and then calculate how fast you were driving on that section of the route.
Based on the maximum speed limit and length of the area, the system knows exactly how long it should take you to drive all the way through. For example, a 100km stretch of road with a speed limit of 100km/h should take exactly one hour.
If the system determined you were going faster, on average, than what is allowed, you will be fined accordingly.
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