Online public access to speed camera offences
Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership have successfully rolled out a system that allows the public to view detailed information relating to alleged safety camera offences.
Wiltshire and Swindon Safety Camera Partnership have successfully rolled out a system that allows the public to view detailed information relating to alleged safety camera offences.
The new Public Access system, provided by Northgate Information Solutions, has enabled individuals who have received a penalty notice to view all the evidence relating to it online and free of charge. Around 6,000 people have so far used the system and the Partnership has been receiving positive feedback from the public.
The Public Access system directs individuals to a dedicated and secure web page through directions shown on the penalty notice. Through keying in a number of identifiers to authenticate the user, individuals can access all the evidence relating to the case, including copies of the offence photos; calibration certificates for the device that captured the photo; site location maps and details; and copies of the penalty notice. Public Access is fully compliant with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) guidance on providing web access to camera offence information.
David Frampton, Manager of the Safety Camera Unit, said: Safety cameras are just one part of an effective road safety strategy. The introduction of this system demonstrates our policy of honesty, openness and accountability. The website and Public Access system aims to ensure that people can exercise their right to information quickly and at any time. We trust that by providing access to this information, we can help change peoples perceptions of safety cameras. They are not a revenue-raising exercise, and are there for the safety of all road users.
Kent Police are one of 18 forces to take delivery of a new speed camera dev-eloped by Tunbridge Wells based Unipar Services.
The new camera gives 50 hours of operation time and weighs less than 1 kilogram.
The SL700 unit has been designed to be as simple to operate as possible. It features a single button operation and includes an easy to read heads up display which indicates the target vehicles speed in real time. Additionally, the SL700 incorporates a large easy to read LCD so that vehicle speed, direction, range and time can be clearly viewed by a secondary observer. Because it is smaller and lighter, you can do a speed check as a one-man operation, said Pc Peter Vaughan.