ROAD SAFETY AND CRIME reduction measures at a North Wales school are being improved with the installation of a new concept camera system which incorporates traffic-calming, ANPR suspect-tracking, and traffic flow data technology. The new system, installed on both sides of the road close to the school, has been developed for North Wales police by Watchman Traffic Ltd. It combines the wide range of functions normally found in separate, dedicated systems. First, with the appearance of a normal speed camera, the system is designed to deter drivers from exceeding the limit in the area around the school.

Secondly, the new system incorporates an ANPR camera that will capture number-plates and immediately alert the police, via a broadband connection, if suspect vehicles drive past. Such systems are proving increasingly useful in locating suspects wanted for a range of crimes including, in this case, criminals who may want to target young people.
In addition the new Watchman system in Rhyl will also be used to provide the local authority with valuable traffic flow data which will be used by its highways planners. A range of data will be captured and the system will reveal changing patterns of traffic speed and volume at different times of the day and week.

“This is the first time a single system has been installed which combines all these separate functions,” explains Jared Lamb of Watchman Traffic. “Although it is being paid for by the police, who are interested primarily in the crime reduction function of the ANPR cameras, Watchman has been able to maximise the value of their investment by building-in the other, equally important functions. We expect this to be a model for many similar installations around the country.”

Watchman Traffic cameras have been installed widely on roads which are not suitable for conventional ‘speed trap’ cameras used for issuing fixed penalties. They operate differently, by capturing the licence plates of vehicles driving too fast and allowing targeted action to be taken against the worst offenders – either those persistently breaking speed limits or driving dangerously fast.

“This way of operating allows our cameras to be installed in locations where other speed cameras can’t be,” adds Jared Lamb.