New speed-over-distance cameras may get hotheads to ease up on the pedal

MOTORISTS will soon have to approach one of Cape Town’s busiest gateways with caution as specialised cameras that record number plate data, among other things, will fine those caught speeding between crossings.

The City of Cape Town will at the end of this month, launch an average speed over distance (ASOD) camera system in Nelson Mandela Boulevard to go live at three intersections – the footbridge over Nelson Mandela Boulevard in the District Six precinct, at the Main Road bridge over Settlers Way, and under the footbridge at Mostert’s Mill along the M3.

Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said the cams would calculate the speed motorists travel at between the locations and fine them if they were found to be breaking the speed limit.

“A motorist travelling to or from the CBD along the M3 will be monitored between the UCT footbridge and the footbridge over Nelson Mandela Boulevard just before the Strand Street off-ramp.

“The same would apply to a motorist travelling in or out on the N2, from the Main Road bridge. Too often, motorists travel at speeds in excess of the legal limit in this area and we hope that the introduction of the system will result in greater compliance with the law – in line with our commitment to create a safe city,” said Smith.

The ASOD system uses specialised cameras to read and record number plate details, vehicle location, date and time the motorists passed between two locations.

“Another camera further along does exactly the same. The data and images of the vehicles are encrypted and transmitted to a computer.

“The two sets of data are then matched and, if the same vehicle passes both cameras, the time taken for the vehicle to cover the distance is calculated. A fine is generated for vehicles that travel the distance in a shorter time than that allowed by the speed limit,” said Smith.

The ASOD camera system was already installed along the M5 between the Kromboom Road and the Ottery Road bridges two years ago. Smith said since August 2012, 14 500 fines along the stretch of road had been generated.