Been flashed by a speed camera?

Question

In the pub last night, a bloke (who claimed he used to service the cameras), said that if your'e ever flashed by a speed camera, you can bung the keyhole of the camera up with bits of nails etc and this way it can't be serviced for a long time and so there is a good chance the data will be lost.
Has any one heard of this before or is he telling porkies?

Answer 1

where do you stick the nails?
i wrap the cameras up in cling film so when it flashes it looks blurred and the numberplate can not be read. or you could buy a spray which you spray on the numberplate and when the camera flashes it reflects the light and can not be seen by the dvla.

Answer 2

The kind of cameras that flash from the front are more sophisticated. All the cameras flash twice to see what distance has been travelled between the flashes and at what speed. Most now use digital imaging. It seems very likely you will receive a fixed penalty notice - a fine of £60 and 3 points on your licence. The 30mph limit is there for a reason. A 5 year old child once ran in front of my car and I couldn't help hitting her. I was sticking to the 30 limit. She had only superficial injuries. If I had been ignoring the limit and doing 40, I would probably have that child's death on my conscience. Please stick to the limits at all times.

Answer 3

The data wouldn't be lost as it is all captured on 35mm film, but it the lock were rendered inoperative for a period, then you might get away with it as they only have 14 days from the date of the offence to serve you with a Notice of Intended Prosecution. They generally replace the film after 7 days use to give them time to get the film developed and to get the letters in the post. There is an element of truth in what he says, but given that tampering with one of these things is a more serious offence than 3 points (assuming you weren't going like the clappers!) the best suggestion I have if you are flashed is to turn around and go and have a close look at the box - if there is no green and white box showing in the second window there is no camera unit in the box and you got away with it! Better still, observe the limit in 30 and 40mph areas as this is where most cameras are situated.

Answer 4

Most speed cameras installed in the last 2 years have no film at all. The pictures are taken digitally with infra red, and hence don't even have a flash.

The pictures are then sent directly to the D.V.L.A. in Swansea, via a modem link in each camera installation.

This is the 21st century after all. Who do you think gets the best technology? Us or the government?

Answer 5

Never heard this. But I have heard that if you cross lanes when going though a speed trap, At the bit where the measuring lines are on the road. Then they cant record your speed.
When a bloke from the speed transport place was asked if this was true he just said "it's not something we would recommend doing"
So that means it works then i guess.

Answer 6

personally i cant see this being totally accurate, there is a rule that says that the police have 14 days to prosecute after you have been caught by a speed trap (allowing a few days grace for postage) i can see how 2 and 2 coulda made 5 there

Answer 7

He is telling porkies ,pay your speeding, fine and leave the camera alone, that way you have only one fine to pay

Answer 8

I believe if I get flashed then I am man enough to put my hands up and say I did it and don't bother make a fuss.

Answer 9

never heard of that,,, but i will say that only 1 in 5 cameras in any one county will have film in,,, so may be you ll be OK,

Answer 10

this wouldn't affect the camera as that is underground,that is how the guy who set fire to one got caught, even took a nice shot of him committing the crime.