Crime detecting car launched in Plymouth
MOTORISTS who park on double yellow lines or drive in bus lanes will face having their actions recorded by the latest camera car introduced by the police and council.
The car, a Toyota IQ with a remote controlled camera mounted on a five-foot pole on the roof, is being introduced by Plymouth City Council and the Devon and Cornwall Safety Camera Partnership for a three-month trial period.
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The car is clearly marked and officers have stressed that its primary purpose is to deter motorists who are causing a nuisance to others, rather than to catch people and issue tickets.
Andy Sharp, public transport controller for Plymouth City Council, said the camera car was being introduced in response to community concerns and complaints.
He said the car will be manned at different times by council workers or police officers, who will target bus lane infringements, driving while using mobile phones or without seat belts, and parking that creates a danger, such as on zig zags outside schools.
He said: "Hopefully it will create a behavioural change, because people will see it and they won't know if it's going to be in the same place next time they drive past.
"We have the flexibility of using it in different places at different times - it can be outside a school in the morning and then when it's not needed there, go somewhere else.
"It's more cost effective than having lots of static cameras."
The car will be deployed in areas where complaints have been made about obstructions to the road or pavement, such as outside schools, and where bad driving is causing congestion.
Plymouth City Council public transport officer Mark Porter said; "It's to the benefit of the law abiding motorist."
Further distinctive livery is to be added to the car before it is deployed.
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by S. Mart Roadie, Cornwall
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 9:01AM
“I would be much more likely to believe that this was an attempt to improve driving standards in Plymouth, and not just another way of making money, if I hadn't seen it parked in a bus lane causing an obstruction ! Maybe it should be capable of taking pictures of itself ! I do agree with previous comments though - just how many speed cameras do we need in Plymouth ? Have they cut accident rates ? I think not... There are at least two counties in the north of England with no speed cameras at all, and their accident rates are actually better than Devon or Cornwall - Why ? Because they spend time and money educating people - not persecuting them !”
by Steve, Plymouth
Friday, January 15 2010, 2:32PM
“I just think its funny how the police can justify this new toyota! a new batch of mondeos a maked BMW & unmaked BMW (and not the cheep versions) unmarked focus estate, unmarked octava, and there are MORE! This is a city NOT A HIGH Speed persute i.e M5 and then when we drive around and are faced with SO Many speed cameras in our city NO other city is as bad Anywhere please feel free to pick up a AA map and have a look it will make you sick! My Question is .. Is Plymouth Really The Wild West Of Motoring! Or just one big cash pig! ( I don't condone motor offences but when i see a marked focus rushing around to a attack/rape/drug related then you see a BMW prowling around hiding or following cars you tend to think money is being spent in the wrong areas of crime!”
by ph, mannamead
Thursday, December 17 2009, 6:46AM
“No you don't fritz your speed cameras hide in bushes when you don't know they are there...... at least we can see this go-kart . However i do like the way you can choose your punishment ... fine or ban ( oh and when to take the ban).”
by blind, charles cross
Wednesday, December 16 2009, 11:29PM
“anyone driving past this car commiting anything illegal is either blind or stupid.”
by Chris, Cornwall.
Wednesday, December 16 2009, 10:51PM
“I did not know cars could detect crime, so at first I thought may be KIT 2 had been launched, and I would be seeing David Hasselhoff issuing a fine to some one who has parked their car on double yellows. Instead it turns out PCC have money to waste funding this publicity stunt. I am all for penalising all who break the law - irrespective of the type of crime, but what about priorities? When we regularly read of teenagers running amok, brawls on Union St etc I cannot help but think such resources could have been put to much better use.”