Mobile Speed Cameras

**Ninja51** · 1st February 2005, 11:38

As a newby to this site and indeed to NZ (well, a year ago to be precise) can anyone put me right as to whether mobile speed cameras clock you coming towards them or going away? I have now got used to spotting the plain coloured vans with tinted windows lurking as they do but Im buggered if I can work out which direction they operate in. Go on... tell me its both!

**Waylander** · 1st February 2005, 11:40

Im not sure but i would assume its both. If not then the most logical direction would be as your going away. That way they can get your number plate if they cant catch you

**Hitcher** · 1st February 2005, 11:42

Both ways they go. However unlike pole-mounted cameras, if there is more than one vehicle in shot, they can't identify the (most) offending one.

**Hitcher** · 1st February 2005, 11:44

Originally Posted by alucard_draken

Im not sure but i would assume its both. If not then the most logical direction would be as your going away. That way they can get your number plate if they cant catch you

Be warned. The State of Victoria is keen to implement front-mounted plates for bikes to overcome this "anomaly".

**Waylander** · 1st February 2005, 11:48

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Be warned. The State of Victoria is keen to implement front-mounted plates for bikes to overcome this "anomaly".

And when that happens, I might just go back to the states where the government may be shyte(

understatement), but atleast i can ride how I want and have my bike look how i want.

**Ninja51** · 1st February 2005, 11:49

Thanks for that guys. I thought that a ruling had been made that cameras could not be "hidden". They clearly are still. Best be a good boy then!

**Ninja51** · 1st February 2005, 11:52

Interestingly enough, front plates were banned in the UK years ago...because they were considered a very effective slicer upon impact with pedestrians.

**Waylander** · 1st February 2005, 11:53

No problem mate and welcome to the site and the country(even though youve been in NZ longer than me

) Hope to see you on a ride sometime.

**bugjuice** · 1st February 2005, 11:57

I've always wondered about those. I have no idea for sure, but I assume that there's a chance that the gun will clock you coming towards it, and even tho your plate is on the back of the bike, those vans are maned, so assume the guy (or gal) is gonna spin round and snap your plate as you pass with either another camera, or just jot your plate down.

Might be wrong, but so far, I haven't found anything to say what does happen, so best you can do is assume..

**Hitcher** · 1st February 2005, 11:57

And welcome to our gargre, Ninja51. Enjoy it!

I may see you on the road sometime.

**Hitcher** · 1st February 2005, 12:00

Originally Posted by bugjuice

I've always wondered about those. I have no idea for sure, but I assume that there's a chance that the gun will clock you coming towards it, and even tho your plate is on the back of the bike, those vans are manned, so assume the guy (or gal) is gonna spin round and snap your plate as you pass with either another camera, or just jot your plate down.

Might be wrong, but so far, I haven't found anything to say what does happen, so best you can do is assume..

Not an evidential process that would stand up in Court.

**bugjuice** · 1st February 2005, 12:12

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Not an evidential process that would stand up in Court.

which? you sayin "I reckon he..." or the dude inside catchin your plate as you whizz past?

**Aaron** · 1st February 2005, 13:03

I'm fairly certain they only point one way... out the back. The lasers calculate your speed and click goes the camera, just when you're in the right location based on your volicity.

I don't see how a laser facing one way and camera the other would work... aside from all the obstacles inside the van there'd be a period when you wouldn't be visible to either the laser or camera. If you slowed down or accleration during this region the camera wouldn't snap you because you'd varied the speed.

I have seen them setup on the road and the cop has to line up the camera with the road behind him. No use pulling over and finding the laser is directed into the tussock.

I also don't think the officer manning the camera is really very interested in writing down number plates. You could be waiting all day with notepad and pen on the off chance some hoon goes by. I'm told that alot of those manning the cameras use the time to study up their modules.

**bugjuice** · 1st February 2005, 13:11

I guess the best thing to do is pass a couple of them at 150+ and see what you get thru the post. I'm happy to do it if everyone interested in finding out what happens pays the ticket

(pt)