Traffic vs Red Light vs Speed Cameras
There are many cameras out there on the road for the purpose of monitoring our driving. There are two classifications for these cameras. Some are out there to oversee traffic conditions, while some are placed to help with issuing tickets and violations. But which is which?
Automatic Enforcement Cameras
Red Light Cameras
Red light camera is an automated ticket-issuing system that detects vehicles that enter intersections on a red light. They take multiple photos to catch the violation, showing the driver, infraction, and license plate. If you get caught on a red light camera, expect a ticket in the mail a few weeks later.
Red light cameras are fairly easy to distinguish. There will often be more than one red light camera placed in an intersection to capture multiple angles. They are bulky with a large camera box and two external flashes typically mounted on separate poles.
Speed Cameras
Speed cameras generally work on the same concept as red light cameras. They detect an infraction, capture images, and then issue the violation – but instead of red light violations, speed cameras detect speed violations.
While red light cameras are usually found in busy intersections and highly populated urban areas, speed cameras are typically placed in less populated back roads and residential areas where vehicles can actually reach high speeds.
Speed cameras have two types: fixed and mobile. Fixed speed cameras are of course easy to spot because they’re almost always placed on elevated poles on the side of the road with bulky weatherproof enclosures and external flashes (usually on a separate pole).
Mobile speed cameras, on the other hand, are a little difficult to spot since they’re not stationary. They can be mounted on a tripod inside of a vehicle and the likes. Mobile speed cameras use a unique type of radar that is very tricky for your radar detector to pick up: low-powered K-band and MRCD (or Multaradar). In fact, you’ll need a special radar detector that’s specifically designed to detect this unique type of signal.
Non-Enforcement Cameras
Traffic Sensor Cameras
These non-enforcement cameras are usually installed high on traffic signals or light poles for the purpose of monitoring traffic flow and determining traffic light timing. They are normally small, cylindrical, or dome-shaped cameras protected by weatherproof housing. What makes it totally distinguishable from red light and speed cameras is its location. Traffic sensor cameras are mounted on the same pole as the traffic signal, as opposed to the two which will always be on separate poles.
Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Cameras
ANPR cameras are not used for ticket issuance but for tracking the location of specific vehicles. They are embedded with artificial intelligence for them to be able to automatically read license plate numbers. Like speed cameras, they can be either mobile (placed on a police car) or fixed (installed on poles).
ANPR cameras are always recording as law enforcement drives their vehicles. They are also able to pull vehicle and driver information from government databases such as parking violations and outstanding warrants. ANPR cameras use the infrared (invisible) light spectrum. for better low-light sensitivity, making it functional even at night.
