These are answers to the most frequently asked questions relating to safety cameras. If your question is not answered here, you can email your question to partnership.administrator@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk.  

What is the difference between safety cameras and other cameras?
Who decides where the cameras are located and how?
If I can't see a mobile camera, how can it see me?
Is an offence still valid if the camera isn't painted yellow?
I am concerned about vehicles speeding in my area. What can you do to help?
Are cameras accurate?
Aren't safety cameras really about raising revenue for the police?
Aren't you wasting valuable police resources by concentrating on speeding motorists rather than catching the real criminals?

What is the difference between safety cameras and other cameras?

The term "Safety Cameras" is the collective term for fixed speed cameras, mobile speed cameras and red-light cameras. They are called safety cameras because they are used to prevent road casualties. 


Who decides where the cameras are located and how?

The local highway authorities (Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, Luton Borough Council and the Highways Agency) in consultation with Bedfordshire Police decide where safety cameras are the most appropriate solution to a casualty and/or speeding problem.
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If I can't see a mobile camera, how can it see me?

The mobile cameras employ laser technology to detect the speed of vehicles. The system is accurate for a distance of one kilometre. Speeding motorists can be photographed either approaching or receding. Motorcyclists are NOT exempt.  The vans park in places where it is safe to do so and they are not causing an obstruction to other road users. They are permitted to park in certain locations such as pavements/clearways in order to carry out their duties.
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Is an offence still valid if the camera isn't painted yellow?

Yes. The Department for Transport recommends high visibility camera housings at collision trouble-spots, however, the camera colour does not change the legal status of the offence if you have been detected breaking the legal speed limit. 
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I am concerned about vehicles speeding in my area. What can you do to help?

In the first instance you should contact Bedfordshire Police Traffic Management team on: 01234 716327. They can deploy police resources to conduct speed checks and mobile speed enforcement in areas of community concern.  If a speed problem is proven then the site will be assessed for the most appropriate road safety measures, in liaison with the local authority. Potential solutions may include traffic calming, ongoing speed enforcement, road re-engineering or improved signage, to name but a few. Safety cameras are just one road safety measure that can be considered. Because funds are limited, any intervention work will be prioritised according to its casualty reduction benefit.  
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Are cameras accurate?
Yes. For further information, please read the page on camera calibration.
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Aren't safety cameras really about raising revenue for the police?

Not at all. The purpose of safety cameras is to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in collisions on our roads. No organisation in the partnership makes money from speed or red-light enforcement cameras.   The money collected from fines by Her Majesty's Court Service is sent directly to the Government.  The local authorities receive a Road Safety Grant from the Government, part of which is used to fund the maintenance of operation of the partnership's safety camera sites. All other speed enforcement is funded by Bedfordshire Police.
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Aren't you wasting valuable police resources by concentrating on speeding motorists rather than catching the real criminals

Nearly 300 people are killed and seriously injured on our roads in Bedfordshire and Luton every year. Enforcing speed limits is an important element of our activity to help reduce this casualty toll. Breaking the speed limit is against the law, presents a road safety hazard and is a major source of community concern. Motorists should be aware that if they exceed the legal speed limit they risk being detected and fined.
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