How do speed cameras work?
Speed cameras detect speeding vehicles using radar technology directed toward one or more lanes on the road. There are also cameras used at intersections with traffic lights, which additionally detect when vehicles enter intersections after the light is already red.
Speed cameras are popular in work and school zones as well as for highway safety improvements. Camera locations can also be residential or private communities or wherever speeding and moving violations are a concern. Study after study has proven the effectiveness of speed cameras in slowing cars down, encouraging safer driving, and reducing crashes and injuries.
The demonstrated effectiveness of speed cameras has helped departments of transportation to launch speed camera programs that complement and reinforce traffic safety. By reducing the number of speeding or red light infractions in certain problem areas, officials can in turn reduce the number of moving violations and traffic injuries that can result from these infractions.
When a speed camera system detects a passing vehicle, it takes a picture. These pictures capture the following information about the offending vehicle:
- License plate
- Date and time of the offense
- Direction of travel
- Speed of the vehicle VS posted speed limit
- Camera Locations
- Other specified parameters