If you thought speed cameras were bad, get ready for the next level. Police are rolling out new high-tech traffic camera vans that can catch speeding drivers, drink-drivers, and other offenders from up to a mile away.
These £47,000 vans are being deployed across the West Midlands and can operate 24/7. They don’t just catch speeders—they also spot people using their phones or not wearing seatbelts while driving. The move comes after a record 1,149 people were killed or seriously injured on West Midlands roads in 2023.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said, "Speeding is a major factor in road collisions, and it's something I and West Midlands Police are determined to tackle,"
"This investment, via the Safer Streets Fund, will significantly enhance our ability to catch speeding drivers and make our roads safer for everyone. There is no place for dangerous, reckless driving in our region. There have been far too many innocent lives lost as a result of those speeding above the limit."
He continued, "I look forward to seeing the vans out in action knowing the huge impact they will have to help improve safety on our roads."
The police now have eight speed camera vans and are aiming to halve road deaths by 2030. Superintendent Gareth Mason from the Roads Policing Unit added, "Our message is clear: if you speed, you will be caught.
"These additional vans allow us to be more visible in communities and at known speeding hotspots, sending a strong message that speeding is unacceptable."
"Doubling the number of speed enforcement vans is a real game changer - this will dramatically strengthen our capacity to enforce the law across our road network.
"I'd like to thank the PCC for securing this level of investment as we all work together to help dramatically drive down speeds in our region.
"Our aim is to change the mindset of motorists. Drive safe and don't put others at risk."
And it’s not just these vans doing the work—AI-powered cameras are also being tested across the UK to catch people using their phones or not wearing seatbelts. A recent trial in Devon caught almost 300 offenders in just three days.
These smart cameras use AI to scan for offences, take high-resolution images, and send them for review. If you're caught, expect a warning letter or a notice of intended prosecution.
With these new enforcements rolling out, the message is clear: slow down, stay off your phone, and buckle up—or risk getting caught.
