A police officer in Devon and Cornwall made a video to debunk some of the myths about speed cameras and the vans they are in.
Sergeant Owen Messenger is the head of the traffic accident reduction department, but he is also well known in the online world of YouTube and Tiktok. Sgt Messenger regularly collaborates with the GCM channel to create informative and entertaining videos about traffic police and how they work. His videos cover a wide range of topics, including drunk driving and drugs, car modifications, motorcycle safety, license plate laws, caravan towing tips, and road safety with horses.
Sergeant Messenger also recently launched a video series in partnership with Vision Zero South West showcasing the world’s first police Ford Focus RS in which he explores how to modify a car safely and talks about his role as a police witness to dangerous things on local roads. In one of his recent videos, Sergeant Messenger breaks down some common misconceptions about police cars with speed cameras, including how they work, why they exist and where you are near them, do’s and don’ts.
Below Owen answers some of the most frequently asked questions, but you can also watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPe_2uWi4xs
Speed is a major cause of fatal and serious traffic accidents, which we want to eliminate as part of the South West Road Safety Partnership Vision Zero program. Driving too fast can shorten your reaction time in the event of an accident and greatly increase your chances of being seriously or fatally injured in a collision.
Enforcement locations are selected based on data, intelligence, and feedback or concerns from the local community—whether residents, advisors, or Speedwatch community groups.
No, if you’re standing in front of a camera van, you’re interfering with the police, and it’s against the law.
Warning another driver about a van with speed cameras is not an offense and may result in the other driver slowing down, which is the ultimate goal. However, as Sergeant Messenger points out, “Would you set a mugger on fire to tell him the cops are coming? It doesn’t have to be, it’s the same.”
No, the sheriff can give police officers the authority to operate equipment and conduct speed checks.
With the improvement of modern car technology and things like brakes, shouldn’t the speed limit be higher?
Despite significant improvements in driving technology in recent years, cars are still driven by people who can make mistakes. “Most of the collisions we encounter are due to driver error, and the reaction times of modern cars are exactly the same as those of 30-year-old cars,” said Sergeant Messenger.
The cameras are designed to protect police officers and officers. They provide a 360-degree view around the truck and record it anytime the truck is in motion.
No, camera technology can accurately determine how fast a vehicle is approaching or moving away from the camera.
No, the vans can’t be hidden or they won’t be able to do the job. If the camera’s view is obstructed by bushes or trees, it cannot determine the vehicle’s speed. Sergeant Messenger added: “Sometimes people ask why they are near a blind turn. If it’s a blind turn, why are you rushing around it? That’s why there are cameras.”
Sergeant Messenger said: “There is nothing in the law that our vehicles must be marked for speed detection, but we have decided to make our vans highly visible. If you cannot see them, there may be something wrong with your observation.” They are not for collecting money. Their purpose is to slow down people on the road. It is important to remember that driving is a privilege, not a right. When you sign up for a driver’s license, you sign up to follow the rules – and that’s for your own safety. “
Sergeant Messenger added: “If you get caught speeding and you get demerit points and fines, we don’t see any money. It goes straight to the state treasury, which decides how and where to spend it.” returned locally, but only to improve road safety. “
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Post time: Feb-17-2023