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SpeedCurb Speed Cameras Explained
The SpeedCurb fixed speed camera is often used to monitor traffic light offences as well as speeding offences, though it is most commonly used to monitor and record speeding motorists. The SpeedCurb is installed on a poll at the roadside and can be identified as the 'tallest (poll) mounted speed camera'.
Whilst most SpeedCurb sites across the UK are single camera installations - monitoring just a single lane or direction of traffic, it's also possible to mount twin head SpeedCurbs on a single mount. These twin head installations when placed for example in the centre of a dual carriageway or motorway can monitor up to four lanes of traffic (two in either direction) simultaneously!
Like the Gatso speed camera, SpeedCurb is rear facing, capturing photos of the rear of a vehicle. But unlike Gatsos which use radar to trigger the camera, SpeedCurb uses sensors embedded into the roads surface. Other speed cameras that use sensors buried into the roads surface include the Truvelo and DS2 camera system.
How does SpeedCurb work?
SpeedCurb cameras use three piezo sensors embedded into the road which are spaced out by 1 metre. When a vehicle drives over the sensors the time between each sensor is timed, e.g. sensors 1 to 2, 2 to 3 and 1 to 3. If the time taken is faster than the set speed limit or threshold e.g. 33mph in a 30mph zone the SpeedCurb camera automatically takes photos and the speeding violation is recorded.
When a motorist drives too fast past a SpeedCurb and the camera is triggered its camera takes a total of three digital photos. The first two which are wide-angle photos depict the vehicle (make and model) and surrounding area, while the third is a close up of the vehicles number plate.
The image on the left shows a SpeedCurb speed camera that monitors two lanes of traffic. The three vehicles in the picture will have their speed monitored by the single SpeedCurb in the top right of the photo.
Do you have a question about SpeedCurb speed cameras? You can read UK motorist's SpeedCurb questions and answers and you can also ask your own unanswered question via our online form.
Extra checks
In addition to the piezo sensors triggering the SpeedCurb, to provide further evidence of the speeding offence and to comply with UK law, an extra method of confirming the vehicles speed is also recorded at the time. This is achived by the use of check marks placed along the road surface. By using the first two photos captured by the SpeedCurb your vehicles' speed can be calculated after the event.
No film
Unlike other camera systems, SpeedCurb cameras don't use film. Instead all incriminating photos are recorded digitally and then transmitted to a central offiice. Once received the data is then recorded and stored on DVD, ready for an officer to view the offences and to decide whether to proceed with a prosecution.
Points and Penalties
The absolute minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK's roads is a fine of £100. A minimum of 3 penalty points will also be added to your driving licence.
However, depending on the road speed limit and your actual recorded speed in the speeding offence a court summons may be generated in place of the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) through the post with the code SP10, SP20, SP30, SP40 or SP50. Read more about speeding fines.
Also, if it is your first speeding offence you may be invited by letter to undertake a national driver offender retraining scheme course with your local Police force.
A motorist caught by a SpeedCurb camera writes:
I have been prosecuted for speeding at 36mph on the A358 at Henlade by a SpeedCurb camera. However the photographic evidence provided by the police indicated that my speed was less than 34mph over the white lines. As this is below the declared prosecution threshold of 35mph in a 30mph restricted zone, I pleaded not guilty at last week's pre-trial referral hearing.
However at this hearing I was astonished to be told that the photographic evidence was inadmissible, and that full reliance would be placed on the 'infallible' underground piezo cell part of the system, on which the 36mph figure was based.
I had already submitted questions relating to the operation of the speed camera system, but was told that answers to these questions would be withheld until the trial. Only then would I have the opportunity to put my questions to an 'expert witness', and if found guilty, I would have to pay the cost of 'perhaps up to £20,000' for the expert witness's testimony.
I simply cannot take the risk of paying such a price for asking for information which I had assumed should have been made available before the trial.
Despite my serious misgivings, it is clear that I have no alternative but to plead guilty. So much for British justice - it is what makes me want to emigrate!
SpeedCurb locations
What is your view and experiences with SpeedCurb speed cameras in the UK? Tell us and read more SpeedCurb comments. Alternatively, if you have a question relating to Speed Curb fixed speed cameras, please see our SpeedCurb Q&A page.
Want to know where the UK's SpeedCurb speed camera are as you drive? Here at SpeedCamerasUK.com we have a UK database of speed camera locations. This database also includes Gatso, Truvelo, Truvelo D-Cam, Peek, SPECS and Traffic Light speed cameras and more. Read more about the speed camera types.
Last updated: 6th August 2024
