Every tactic used by new state-of-the-art police vans to catch bad drivers

A Midland police force has revealed drastic measures to crack down on speeding drivers. Warwickshire Police acted after drivers from across the country were caught at high speeds.

Insp Dave Valente said routes including the M40, M42 and A46, were used by thousands of motorists every day. Drivers had been caught not only speeding but on phones, not wearing seatbelts and committing other offences like driving without insurance, the force said.

This week Warwickshire Police rolled out three new speed enforcement vans, fitted out with the latest mobile camera technology that will be deployed at more than 70 sites across the county. It has also expanded its road safety unit to continue to drive improvements in road safety.

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The current average speed cameras can detect excess speed offences and red light violations.

Warwickshire Police's new speed vans are fitted with state-of-the-art technology including:

• high specification cameras that provide police with clearer mobile enforcement images and better facial identification of the driver
• the ability to capture other offences such as not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone whilst driving, driver not in a position to have proper control of a vehicle and vehicles in a dangerous condition.
• ANPR fitted to the front and rear of the vans to assist with intelligence gathering, and to also capture rear registration plates on vehicles without a front plate such as motorbikes.
• Night time capability through infrared lighting allows the vans to be deployed throughout the day and night
• The new vans are also equipped with blue lights meaning they can be used for road safety and ANPR operations.

Assistant chief constable Ben Smith said: “The three new speed vans are part of a £600,000 investment announced in March last year to enhance road safety on Warwickshire’s roads.

"We recognise speeding is often a key factor in collisions and that’s why over the last year we have significantly improved our effectiveness in tackling speeding drivers by ensuring we have the latest technology and processes to drive behaviour change, deliver impactful road safety campaigns and improve our service to members of the public.

“These improvements ensure Warwickshire Police is fit for the future and deliver on our enduring vision to protect people from harm.”

Insp Valente said: “We are proud of our growing reputation of being tough on speeding drivers in Warwickshire. This reflects the proactive, preventative approach we are taking alongside Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership to reducing speeding, as we know the harm and devastation that collisions cause to families.

“Many drivers caught speeding are not from Warwickshire, as we have several main arterial routes through the county, used by thousands of drivers from across the UK every day. Fines and points still play a part but educating those drivers who speed is vital, as our priority is to change behaviour to make our roads safer and all those eligible will be offered a speed awareness course.

“While there are plenty of good drivers on our roads, clearly some still drive too fast for the roads and conditions and extreme or repeat speeders may find themselves going straight to court where the consequences are more significant.

“If you do not want to be caught speeding in Warwickshire, do not exceed the speed limit. It’s as simple as that.”

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