“Safety cameras” is the collective term which combines speed cameras and red light cameras. The Partnership operates both types of cameras across the whole of Sussex.
Despite arguments, the simple fact is, speed limits are set for a reason and they are the law. By exceeding the speed limit you are breaking the law and therefore should not complain if you receive a speeding ticket.
Speed cameras are only installed in high risk areas, more information can be found in our FAQ section..
It is important to emphasise that we recognise that speed is not the only causation factor of crashes and therefore safety cameras are just one of the many tools we use to improve road safety. The about us page explains more about other methods we use.
To find out where safety cameras are related throughout Sussex, please see our Camera Map.
For more information about how the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership places speed camera sites, please read our Safety Camera Criteria document.
Fixed cameras
The cameras in the bright yellow housings use radar to detect the speed of vehicles. The camera is activated when a vehicle crosses the radar beam at excessive speed. It takes two photographs of the rear of the vehicle at an interval of 0.5 seconds. A speed will be recorded on the film. However in order to safeguard the motorist against a faulty or false camera reading, a secondary check is undertaken manually. The white lines painted on the road surface provide an independent way of verifying the speed reading, simply by looking at how many white lines have been crossed during the 0.5 second interval. This simple formula enables us to work out how fast the car was travelling.
Mobile cameras
These use laser technology to detect the speed of travelling vehicles. When the camera is triggered by the operator it emits a rapid stream of laser beams that reflect off the vehicle and record its speed. The laser technology is very efficient. However in order to ensure complete security, all cameras undertake a self-checking procedure. Furthermore the operator carries out an alignment and distance check.
Red Light cameras
These cameras are able to detect motorists that travel through traffic lights AFTER they have turned red. The cameras are directly linked to loops embedded in the road surface that detect vehicle movement. If a vehicle crosses the solid white line on a red light, the cameras will automatically take two photographs. This is to prove that the vehicle has carried on going and not just crossed the line too late. The photographs record the time, date and details of the offending vehicle and will show the time the lights were on amber and when it turned to red. The camera can cover up to two lanes of traffic and can clearly distinguish if one or both lanes activated the system.
Camera calibration
All of our cameras (fixed, mobile & red light) are checked at the beginning and end of every film/enforcement period to ensure they are working properly. It is also a legal requirement that they are returned to the manufacturer every year for a full calibration. Furthermore, every single photograph is manually checked again by an operator.
The calibration and checking regime is rigorous to ensure that no innocent motorists are accidentally issued a ticket.
If you live in a neighbouring county you may see that cameras look different to the ones we use in Sussex. The only reason for this is that a different manufacturer has been employed to supply them. In Sussex we use Gatso cameras, however in Hampshire you may see Truvelo. These monitor speeds differently but are equally as effective and both cameras would pick up exactly the same number of speeding motorists.
Camera Operation and Signing
Generally the guidance given in DfT CR 01/2007 regarding the operation and signing of camera enforcement activity is followed in Sussex. However the installation criteria has been revised to take into account local conditions. At exceptional sites, as defined in the criteria document, the operational guidance for enforcement is followed however there is no requirement to erect camera signs.
