In most cases, speed camera evidence is considered definitive, so if you have been caught speeding, without specialist advice from a solicitor who specialises in speed camera defence cases, you will most likely be found guilty. Speed cameras are not infallible and the accuracy of speed camera evidence can be brought into question. So if you feel that you have been wrongly accused, you should speak to a solicitor.

Police forces use a number of different types of cameras to catch speeding motorists. Each one has its own different limitations which must be taken into account when putting together a speed camera defence case.

Gatso Speed Cameras
The Gatso is the most widely used camera and the most recognisable. Police use both static and mobile Gatso speed cameras to catch motorists. Static Gatso cameras are the big grey boxes that pepper roads across the UK. They photograph cars from behind as they drive past the camera over a series of marks in the road. Police also use mobile Gatso cameras which they can move from place to place and mini-Gatso cameras that operate from the back of a van or parked car.
Because the Gatso photographs a car from the rear, often the driver cannot be identified. These cameras work using a roll of film and a flash so once the film runs out, the camera becomes inactive until the film is replaced. These limitations are being addressed, however, by the appearance of speed cameras which take pictures of the front of cars and through the development of a Gatso that operates like a CCTV camera using a live video feed.

Truvelo Speed Cameras
Because Gatso cameras take a photo from the rear, drivers can use this weakness to claim they were not driving the car. As a result, Truvelo cameras are being used with increasing frequency as they photograph cars from the front.
Truvelo speed cameras use film in the same way as Gatso cameras so will only take photographs until the film has been used. They do not flash, however, as they use infra red. They are also ineffective at catching motorbikes without front license plates.

Digital SPECS System Speed Cameras
SPECS cameras operate by monitoring the time it takes a car to travel between two stationary cameras up to a mile apart and calculating the car's average speed. These small cameras use digital video to store images on a central computer of car registration plates with a timestamp as each car passes each camera. These cameras are becoming more widely used as drivers cannot simply slow down as they reach the camera but must maintain an average speed which equals the speed limit. You have probably seen these in use on motorways where speed limits were reduced as a result of ongoing construction work.

Mobile Radar or Laser Speed Guns
Operators of mobile speed cameras must receive the correct training in their operation as they are tricky to use accurately. When used correctly though, they can operate effectively at distances of up to a mile and a half. Police officers must train the gun at a fixed point on your car in order to get an accurate reading and to make sure that no slippage occurred. Should the officer accidentally move the gun away from the fixed point and down the side of the car, the reading will become inaccurate because the length of the car will be added onto the distance travelled and make the car appear to have been travelling faster than it actually was.
Laser cameras are being used more frequently in place of older radar guns because they have better accuracy and are easier to target onto the correct vehicle, reducing the possibility of errors from both slippage and mistaken identity. CM Solicitors will examine the speed camera evidence against you to determine whether or not you have a good speed camera defence case. We specialise in helping motorists who have been wrongly accused of speeding as a result of problems with a speed camera.

Even if you are guilty of a speed camera offence, we may be able to help you obtain a reduced penalty based on mitigating circumstances. Email CM Solicitors or phone us on 08458 737 333 to arrange a free initial consultation regarding the speed camera evidence in the case against you.