Comments on: The mystery traffic device

By: h0tfuzz

h0tfuzz — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:47:06 +0000

If these cameras are operating in violation to their operating manuals then i don’t see anything wrong with every motorist using fake number plates.

By: ross

ross — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:00:24 +0000

@ joe

its nto about he wheel base they measure the time it takes for ur front(or even rear) wheels to go over both lines

By: Ken from the NT

Ken from the NT — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 22:09:40 +0000

This is sounds like revenue raising taking precedence over road safety. The Northern Territory has introduced reduced speed limits in the name of “safety” while our road toll is now higher than ever!

These hidden speed cameras do not stop or prevent speeding. Logic dictates that if speeding is indeed dangerous, then stopping and preventing speeding must be the absolute first priority, NOT issuing fines! And to do that, we need highly-visible Police-presence that can deter and stop the offenders. At the very least, these devices should be blatently obvious and signposted, so as to discourage drivers from speeding. Hidden speed cameras DO NOT deter speeding and absolutely do not stop the offender from continuing to speed.

A day will come when a speeder is caught on a speed camera, yet allowed to continued at speed and plow into a crowd or a school. The fact that a speed camera may catch a speeder but not stop one, may open the government to a law-suite/class-action suite.

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:19:08 +0000

I doubt it would be an actual speed camera. It couldn’t possibly be accurate enough with the differences in wheelbases between cars. How could it give an accurate reading on both a small two door hatch and a station wagon, let alone trucks, vehicles towing a trailer, motorbikes etc.

On the topic of speed cameras though, as with most (if not all, or at least near enough to all) I find them ridiculous. You can go flying up to them, jump on the brakes when you see the sign, and then get straight back up to speed once you pass it. And even if you do get caught it doesn’t stop anyone from speeding, bar losing your licence.

The same goes for cops hiding behind trees, signs etc. I saw one the other day sitting on an entry ramp to the highway, which happens to have a large wall in front of it. In other words he was literally impossible to see from the highway unless you spend your time looking out the back of your car. Who is that stopping? No one.

These things have a time – school zones – and a place – blackspots. And yet they continue to put them in areas that will raise the most revenue.

By: ShaunL

ShaunL — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:48:32 +0000

It’s a traffic counter. The tubes are hooked up to a gadget that counts traffic. They use two tubes to determine how fast the vehicle is going as well as to help categorise what ran over the tubes. They work this out but figuring out how many axles went over the counter and at distance apart. eg normal car two axles, truck is greater etc

I’m guessing the camera is there to validate the counts. Note that it’s pointing at the back of the cars so that it knows when a vehicle has passed so that it’ll snap a photo. Then a guy back at the office to checks the photos against what the counter thought was there.

Give the police a break, no one likes to be caught speeding. They are there to do a job. If you reckon they’re deliberately out there to get you then you are living one paranoid life.

By: Forza M

Forza M — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:54:18 +0000

Andy M = no idea.

By: Marcoz

Marcoz — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 01:23:51 +0000

All you have to do is cary a couple of cans of black spray paint, then proceed to spray over the lenses…

lol

By: topdog

topdog — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:50:34 +0000

I bet if heaps of people in trucks just keep side swipping them thay will stop putting them on the road

By: Cupid Stunt aka No Name

Cupid Stunt aka No Name — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:45:10 +0000

Bit cheeky but if you speed you pay the price.

Looks like a water tight box to a level. Mmmm how about filling it with petrol and chucking a match in it. Did I really suggest that, no never.
I’m actually surpised its still there and a passing semi hasn’t tail whipped it.

By: Crouchy

Crouchy — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:49:28 +0000

Yeah good on you frugal one. Did that require a post? I think if they knew what it was, they would tell you.

Please car advice… stop holding out on us! We know you are in on it! ****sarcasm****