Gatso Experts Please!!

Rodney_Trotter

Cuddlybearman wrote: »

it wasnt manned - it was a flashy automatic one

We know, you said.

Stooby2

For speed to be enforced there needs to be two estimates / measurements of speed. For the GATSO type, either a radar or ground loops provide the first, the white lines provide the second, which is why there are two flashes - the distance the car has travelled can be measured using the lines and the speed calculated.

For a manned camera, the operator has to first look at approaching vehicle and estimate its speed. If he estimates the speed is over the limit he measures it with the speed camera and takes a photo if it is.

If the OP was not on the white lines, being on the opposite side of the road, then the second check hasn't been completed and the offence can't be enforced. It may well be that when the image is processed, the admin unit will realise this and not proceed with it. Wait and see.

Rodney_Trotter

Stooby2 wrote: »

For speed to be enforced there needs to be two estimates / measurements of speed. For the GATSO type, either a radar or ground loops provide the first, the white lines provide the second, which is why there are two flashes - the distance the car has travelled can be measured using the lines and the speed calculated.

For a manned camera, the operator has to first look at approaching vehicle and estimate its speed. If he estimates the speed is over the limit he measures it with the speed camera and takes a photo if it is.

If the OP was not on the white lines, being on the opposite side of the road, then the second check hasn't been completed and the offence can't be enforced. It may well be that when the image is processed, the admin unit will realise this and not proceed with it. Wait and see.

Single carriageway roads have white lines on both sides of the road. Sounds like you're saying if they didn't overtaking vehicles or those on the wrong side of the road will escape detection.

TonyMMM

Gatsos can still be used without the white lines, which is why going over to the other side of the road to avoid being caught doesn't work. The lines are there for a secondary check - however if not present there are other methods that can be used (photogrammetry)

Cuddlybearman

ok - so three different opinions - seems to be the norm with these bloody cameras

Stooby2

Rodney_Trotter wrote: »

Single carriageway roads have white lines on both sides of the road. Sounds like you're saying if they didn't overtaking vehicles or those on the wrong side of the road will escape detection.

No, not always, some cameras only work in one direction and only have lines on that side of the road. If you were to be speeding on the wrong side of the road and not on the lines, then the offence can't be enforced.

Cuddlybearman

Hopefully the fact that the road is full of roadworks will mean that it cant be clear cut I what speed I was doing - I guess that they have to be 100% sure everything is clear to prosecute

Rodney_Trotter

TonyMMM wrote: »

Gatsos can still be used without the white lines, which is why going over to the other side of the road to avoid being caught doesn't work. The lines are there for a secondary check - however if not present there are other methods that can be used (photogrammetry)

Is this site wrong then?

http://www.speedcamerasuk.com/gatso.htm

Cuddlybearman

2 weeks of stressing out though - just found out my last speed awareness course was April 2011.......... :0(

Rodney_Trotter

Cuddlybearman wrote: »

Hopefully the fact that the road is full of roadworks will mean that it cant be clear cut I what speed I was doing - I guess that they have to be 100% sure everything is clear to prosecute

That should mean you go straight to court and be put off the raid for six months.