THE LONG RANGERS
Clocking from 1,000m
A SPEED camera has been unveiled that can film a car from a kilometre away.
The device, dubbed The Long Ranger, produces clear video footage and photos of people inside the vehicle.
It will be used to tackle speeding, tailgating and motorists using their phone at the wheel.
The camera is being tested by police in Gloucester at accident hotspots on the A417 and A419.
Martin Surl, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, said: “This is one of the county’s busiest roads which also has one of the worst accident records due to the way it’s used.
“Many people have come to me with their concerns about speeding and other safety issues along this road.
“We now have a chance to test a new model of collaborative road policing which, if it proves a success, can be put into practice elsewhere. The aim is not just to penalise motorists but to uphold the law by creating a change in people’s behaviour.
“But the police will enforce the law when this is necessary.”
The camera was showcased at the launch of a pilot project called Operation Indemnis.
The A417 and A419 – which link Gloucestershire and Wiltshire along with the M4 and M5 – carry an estimated 35,000 vehicles a day.
Currently, the fixed penalty for careless driving is £100 with three points on the driver’s licence.
Chief Inspector Mark Soderland said: “A core aim of the approach is collaborating wherever possible with other road safety stakeholders. The team has started with Highways England and the county council.
“It is now approaching groups such as the Motor Insurers Bureau, The Institute of Advanced Motorists and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Authority to explore what opportunities there might be to work together and improve safety.”