Frequently Asked Questions
Camera questions
How do you select camera sites?
All safety camera sites are assessed every year according to strict guidelines, set by the Scottish Safety Camera Programme Office. These guidelines include factors such as the number of casualties, average speed and length of a site.
The rules for the safety camera scheme have been developed to have the most positive road safety benefits. Some cameras may be placed at sites that do not meet the guidelines if they contribute to the overall strategy of reducing road accident casualties.
How do I know the camera equipment is accurate?
Technology used for the enforcement of road traffic law is the subject to Home Office Type Approval Procedures. Once devices have satisfied this rigorous testing regime and have been “Type Approved” they can used for road traffic law enforcement. All the equipment used by this Partnership is Type Approved, tested and calibrated every year by the manufacturer and issued with a calibration certificate. Before and after each enforcement operation the equipment is checked and tested by our trained operators who themselves are properly trained and certified.
Cameras are too close to the change of speed limit
You should slow down gradually as you approach a section where a lower speed limit is indicated. All camera sites are visible from a distance. As soon as you pass a speed limit sign, you must comply with that limit and also drive according to the road and weather conditions. Remember, speed limits are not targets but an indication of the maximum safe speed for the road or vehicle under normal conditions.
I didn’t see the camera
Under the guidelines set out by the Scottish Safety Camera Programme Office all camera sites must meet visibility guidelines. We make every effort to ensure that camera housings and vehicles are clearly visible. These requirements do not affect the legal status for prosecuting drivers who exceed speed limits, or run red lights, and trigger the cameras. All speed limits should be clearly signed and drivers must also be aware of the speed limits that apply to the class of vehicle they are driving. It is the responsibility of drivers to stay within the legal limit at all times or risk prosecution.