When you see a camera car or a strategically parked police car, do you warn oncoming drivers about them, and if so, why so?

Not this time of year when terrorist tourists are always in a hurry.

Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Dec 24^th, 2024 at 11:07am:

When you see a camera car or a strategically parked police car, do you warn oncoming drivers about them, and if so, why so?

We are conditioned to do that, if you saw someone about to tread on dog poo you would warn them, if you saw someone about to do something that would have a negative outcome you warn them. That is what we expect from ourselves, to use our experience to benefit our community. There is no bad outcome from warning someone from harm.

I generally know where the flash for cash vehicles are parked. I put the police radio on in my phone to listen in to police broadcasts. The police (including a guy I graduated high school with) generally give locations for where the speed cameras are set up.

UnSubRocky wrote on Dec 24^th, 2024 at 1:15pm:

I generally know where the flash for cash vehicles are parked. I put the police radio on in my phone to listen in to police broadcasts. The police (including a guy I graduated high school with) generally give locations for where the speed cameras are set up.

Why do you listen to police radio?.

Leroy wrote on Dec 24^th, 2024 at 1:20pm:

UnSubRocky wrote on Dec 24th, 2024 at 1:15pm: I generally know where the flash for cash vehicles are parked. I put the police radio on in my phone to listen in to police broadcasts. The police (including a guy I graduated high school with) generally give locations for where the speed cameras are set up. Why do you listen to police radio?.

My job as an Uber delivery driver means that I can avoid many police traps as I do deliveries. It is also a form of entertainment when I am online. I also like to find out why there are police vehicles rushing pass my place on the main stretch of road nearby.

Are we talking about flashing your headlights to warn oncoming drivers of a speed camera or a "strategically parked police car"?

The police have always said that if they catch anyone doing that then they will be charged with obstructing the police or something like that.

It's interesting because, many years ago I read a story about the police in the UK charging someone for flashing their headlights to warn oncoming drivers of a speed camera or police with a radar gun.

The case went to court and it was thrown out for this reason:

1. If you speed you are breaking the law.

2. If you flash your headlights to warn oncoming drivers of a speed camera or trap you are stopping them from breaking the law.

3. If you are stopping someone from breaking the law then you cannot be breaking the law yourself.

I don't know if this really happened or it's just some sort of 'urban legend' but it would be interesting to see what would happen if someone tried this 'defence' here in Australia.

But, having said all that - no, I never flash my lights to warn other drivers of speed cameras, etc.

Never have, never will.

They put signs out giving reasonable warning.
If you too thick in the head to understand that flashing lights isn’t going help and preferably these people shouldn’t be on road anyway?

Plenty of people seem too support a drunk, meth head, ice addict till they total there car and kill your son or daughter.
Only then do you preach a different tune?

Daves2017 wrote on Dec 24^th, 2024 at 11:10pm:

They put signs out giving reasonable warning. If you too thick in the head to understand that flashing lights isn’t going help and preferably these people shouldn’t be on road anyway? Plenty of people seem too support a drunk, meth head, ice addict till they total there car and kill your son or daughter. Only then do you preach a different tune?

Getting a bit extreme there. I don't think flashing your headlights has caused any deaths of children.

Carl D wrote on Dec 24^th, 2024 at 7:19pm:

Are we talking about flashing your headlights to warn oncoming drivers of a speed camera or a "strategically parked police car"? The police have always said that if they catch anyone doing that then they will be charged with obstructing the police or something like that. It's interesting because, many years ago I read a story about the police in the UK charging someone for flashing their headlights to warn oncoming drivers of a speed camera or police with a radar gun. The case went to court and it was thrown out for this reason: 1. If you speed you are breaking the law. 2. If you flash your headlights to warn oncoming drivers of a speed camera or trap you are stopping them from breaking the law. 3. If you are stopping someone from breaking the law then you cannot be breaking the law yourself. I don't know if this really happened or it's just some sort of 'urban legend' but it would be interesting to see what would happen if someone tried this 'defence' here in Australia. But, having said all that - no, I never flash my lights to warn other drivers of speed cameras, etc. Never have, never will.

That is what we’re talking about and it is everyone’s civic duty to try to stop offences being committed.

Why not do your duty?

‘’I never flash my headlights,  Constable, I turned my headlights on but they were on High Beam, so I immediately turned them off.’’
That being said, I recently warned an approaching driver and as he went past he gave me a thumbs up, and it was a police car 😀😀😀

UnSubRocky wrote on Dec 24^th, 2024 at 1:15pm:

I generally know where the flash for cash vehicles are parked. I put the police radio on in my phone to listen in to police broadcasts. The police (including a guy I graduated high school with) generally give locations for where the speed cameras are set up.

The cops have encrypted radios in Victoria -
you can't listen in.

Daves2017 wrote on Dec 24^th, 2024 at 11:10pm:

They put signs out giving reasonable warning. If you too thick in the head to understand that flashing lights isn’t going help and preferably these people shouldn’t be on road anyway? Plenty of people seem too support a drunk, meth head, ice addict till they total there car and kill your son or daughter. Only then do you preach a different tune?

The signs are tiny and.just near the camera and most speed limits are bull anyway, otherwise NSW wouldn’t have collected so much in speeding fines.

‘’ Mobile speed cameras have slapped NSW drivers with more fines and collected more money in 2021 than ever before, since the removal of warning signs.this, I believe, refers to the former easily seen large signs

Speeding fines skyrocketed throughout 2021 with the hidden cameras collecting a record $73.6 million, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Almost $40.4 million in fines were issued to drivers caught going less than 10km over the speed limit in the 12 months to December, a whopping 750 per cent more than in 2020

Only $14.8 million in fines were issued for the same offence over the five years leading up to 2021.’’

Revenue raising.

The town of Invarell in NSW is a case in point, one street, with houses on both sides and young children, is a 70 kph zone because it is a diversion for semi-trailers and heavy trucks to pass the main part of town, and just for laughs, the Gwydir Highway for approx a kilometre is flanked by mostly deserted parklands on one side and by the side fences of houses on the other, the speed limits is 50 kph, and a lucrative spot for a hidden camera.

No Government in NSW is going to post realistic speed limits, to much revenue would be lost.

I'm like Peccary - I don't speed - so I have no issue with these cameras.  I cruise control at the posted limit and just sail past them without incident.  I once flashed a young guy who zoomed past me after sunset in a 100 zone - after he went through at a rate of knots - he hit the 60 zone ahead and went through too fast - the HP was waiting on the opposite side of the road and went after him and booked him. I knew the cop was there, you see.... don't ask.

Boy's a slow learner. 

You should know - with enough experience - that speeding mostly just gets you to the next slow zone, traffic jam, traffic light or whatever... why bother? 

Daves2017 wrote on Dec 24^th, 2024 at 11:10pm:

They put signs out giving reasonable warning.

Not in Perth and Western Australia they don't.

Haven't seen warning signs before or after speed cameras for years. Except for the 'generic' signs here and there that say "Speed Cameras Used In This Area" (but they usually are not most of the time).

I've gotten into the habit a long time ago of assuming every 4WD or van parked on the roadside verge with the back facing oncoming traffic is a speed camera even though most of them are not).

I always had a bit of a chuckle at the old style red light cameras they had here in Perth many years ago. Yellow box on top of a yellow pole with 2 windows at the front - one for the camera lens and the other for the flash.

The police only had about 3 or 4 actual cameras but there were dozens of boxes on poles around Perth and the metro area and they rotated the cameras from time to time.

The 'trick' (or the 'risk') was trying to work out which boxes had cameras and which ones were empty. You could tell by looking at the 2 windows at the front, if they were both 'black' there was no camera in there (you could see the silver reflector for the flash and the camera lens if it had one).

The other thing the police used to do with these old red light cameras was put warning signs at all 4 approaches to the intersection even though these cameras could only take a picture of a vehicle passing it from behind.

I have a HUD that lets me know if I am speeding. No speeding fines.

Grappler Truth Teller Feller wrote on Dec 25^th, 2024 at 11:05pm:

I'm like Peccary - I don't speed - so I have no issue with these cameras.  I cruise control at the posted limit and just sail past them without incident.  I once flashed a young guy who zoomed past me after sunset in a 100 zone - after he went through at a rate of knots - he hit the 60 zone ahead and went through too fast - the HP was waiting on the opposite side of the road and went after him and booked him. I knew the cop was there, you see.... don't ask. Boy's a slow learner.  You should know - with enough experience - that speeding mostly just gets you to the next slow zone, traffic jam, traffic light or whatever... why bother?

My current vehicles don’t have cruise control or over speed warning , so I have to be a bit more careful.
One can get trapped however, recently I turned onto a highway jusr behind a semi, when another semi [same company] caught up to me I increased speed till I was going as fast as them, this was in a no passing double lined area, looked at the speedo and I was doing 120, so at the first opportunity I pulled over and let number two go past [usual flashing indicators to signal ‘’Thank you’’],- and I dropped back to 100.
Undoubtedly they knew where all the police and camera cars were [2 way wireless is a great asset😀😀 but I felt more comfortable not being between them .

Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Dec 24^th, 2024 at 11:07am:

When you see a camera car or a strategically parked police car, do you warn oncoming drivers about them, and if so, why so?

No.  Never.

If drivers breaking the law are never caught, they'll never learn.

I saw some idiot just the other day flashing his lights to warn people about a booze bus.

Why on earth would anyone want drunk drivers to escape?

In the 80s I used to drive to Goolwa, later Pt Elliot, pretty much every weekend. Usually myself, business partner and his wife would drive down in one car. Sometimes we took separate cars. Sometimes I would flash my lights, see cars coming the other way slow down, wave thanks etc. There was no radar etc  ;D Just breaking the monotony of a one hour drive.

greggerypeccary wrote on Dec 26^th, 2024 at 10:00am:

No.  Never. If drivers breaking the law are never caught, they'll never learn. I saw some idiot just the other day flashing his lights to warn people about a booze bus. Why on earth would anyone want drunk drivers to escape?

Indeed.

Some people will never learn.

My aunt and I went to The Boat at Mindarie yesterday for a Christmas do with some friends which started at 5pm.

Took me about 45 minutes to get there driving up the freeway to Neerabup Road then across to Mindarie and all the way up there I saw lots of speeding drivers overtaking us (we were doing the 100 limit) despite numerous messages on those overhead information signs every few km. warning of double demerit points over Christmas and the New Year.

Not to mention the numerous "weaving warriors" changing lanes every few seconds to get in front of everyone else (despite the fact that the freeway wasn't particularly busy at the time).

Idiots.

Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Dec 26^th, 2024 at 9:50am:

Grappler Truth Teller Feller wrote on Dec 25th, 2024 at 11:05pm: I'm like Peccary - I don't speed - so I have no issue with these cameras.  I cruise control at the posted limit and just sail past them without incident.  I once flashed a young guy who zoomed past me after sunset in a 100 zone - after he went through at a rate of knots - he hit the 60 zone ahead and went through too fast - the HP was waiting on the opposite side of the road and went after him and booked him. I knew the cop was there, you see.... don't ask. Boy's a slow learner.  You should know - with enough experience - that speeding mostly just gets you to the next slow zone, traffic jam, traffic light or whatever... why bother?  My current vehicles don’t have cruise control or over speed warning , so I have to be a bit more careful. One can get trapped however, recently I turned onto a highway jusr behind a semi, when another semi [same company] caught up to me I increased speed till I was going as fast as them, this was in a no passing double lined area, looked at the speedo and I was doing 120, so at the first opportunity I pulled over and let number two go past [usual flashing indicators to signal ‘’Thank you’’],- and I dropped back to 100. Undoubtedly they knew where all the police and camera cars were [2 way wireless is a great asset😀😀 but I felt more comfortable not being between them .

Good point, Eoin - I've had similar experiences with '100 speed limited' trucks doing as high as 120 and pushing hard to get past.  Going to set me up a camera that records on DVD or hard drive and shows my speedo and the traffic.  They must be available but I'd say very costly at the moment, cops have got them and also those cameras that post the speed of a pursued vehicle for them - got my old laptop I could hook up for memory... record the whole trip and no arguments.

Side-note:-  no wonder the casualty rate for truck drivers and those unfortunate enough to tangle with them has risen and not fallen.

ADDS:-

"In Australia
In 2021, heavy trucks were involved in 15.4% of all road deaths.

Crash severity
Heavy truck crashes are more likely to result in death or serious injury. The mass of a heavy vehicle contributes a lot of kinetic energy to a crash, often leaving the other vehicle or road user with the worst of the impact.

Truck driver errors
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) identified truck driver errors as the primary cause of most accidents."

Carl D wrote on Dec 26^th, 2024 at 10:23am:

greggerypeccary wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 10:00am: No.  Never. If drivers breaking the law are never caught, they'll never learn. I saw some idiot just the other day flashing his lights to warn people about a booze bus. Why on earth would anyone want drunk drivers to escape? Indeed. Some people will never learn. My aunt and I went to The Boat at Mindarie yesterday for a Christmas do with some friends which started at 5pm. Took me about 45 minutes to get there driving up the freeway to Neerabup Road then across to Mindarie and all the way up there I saw lots of speeding drivers overtaking us (we were doing the 100 limit) despite numerous messages on those overhead information signs every few km. warning of double demerit points over Christmas and the New Year. Not to mention the numerous "weaving warriors" changing lanes every few seconds to get in front of everyone else (despite the fact that the freeway wasn't particularly busy at the time). Idiots.

Yep, Perth drivers are definitely getting worse.

But seriously, why would anyone warn drivers about a booze bus?

The person who gets away because of that idiot flashing his headlights could be the drunk driver that wipes out their entire family in a car crash.

Idiots.

greggerypeccary wrote on Dec 26^th, 2024 at 2:36pm:

Carl D wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 10:23am: greggerypeccary wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 10:00am: No.  Never. If drivers breaking the law are never caught, they'll never learn. I saw some idiot just the other day flashing his lights to warn people about a booze bus. Why on earth would anyone want drunk drivers to escape? Indeed. Some people will never learn. My aunt and I went to The Boat at Mindarie yesterday for a Christmas do with some friends which started at 5pm. Took me about 45 minutes to get there driving up the freeway to Neerabup Road then across to Mindarie and all the way up there I saw lots of speeding drivers overtaking us (we were doing the 100 limit) despite numerous messages on those overhead information signs every few km. warning of double demerit points over Christmas and the New Year. Not to mention the numerous "weaving warriors" changing lanes every few seconds to get in front of everyone else (despite the fact that the freeway wasn't particularly busy at the time). Idiots. Yep, Perth drivers are definitely getting worse. But seriously, why would anyone warn drivers about a booze bus? The person who gets away because of that idiot flashing his headlights could be the drunk driver that wipes out their entire family in a car crash. Idiots.

In WA, flashing your lights indicates a speed trap not a booze bus. Don't know how you managed to come up with this.

Carl D wrote on Dec 26^th, 2024 at 10:23am:

greggerypeccary wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 10:00am: No.  Never. If drivers breaking the law are never caught, they'll never learn. I saw some idiot just the other day flashing his lights to warn people about a booze bus. Why on earth would anyone want drunk drivers to escape? Indeed. Some people will never learn. My aunt and I went to The Boat at Mindarie yesterday for a Christmas do with some friends which started at 5pm. Took me about 45 minutes to get there driving up the freeway to Neerabup Road then across to Mindarie and all the way up there I saw lots of speeding drivers overtaking us (we were doing the 100 limit) despite numerous messages on those overhead information signs every few km. warning of double demerit points over Christmas and the New Year. Not to mention the numerous "weaving warriors" changing lanes every few seconds to get in front of everyone else (despite the fact that the freeway wasn't particularly busy at the time). Idiots.

Good chance you were only doing 90-95kmh, speedo's on cars are always under the real speed and some drivers who use real time speeds will be going faster than you.

Carl D wrote on Dec 26^th, 2024 at 10:23am:

greggerypeccary wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 10:00am: No.  Never. If drivers breaking the law are never caught, they'll never learn. I saw some idiot just the other day flashing his lights to warn people about a booze bus. Why on earth would anyone want drunk drivers to escape? Indeed. Some people will never learn. My aunt and I went to The Boat at Mindarie yesterday for a Christmas do with some friends which started at 5pm. Took me about 45 minutes to get there driving up the freeway to Neerabup Road then across to Mindarie and all the way up there I saw lots of speeding drivers overtaking us (we were doing the 100 limit) despite numerous messages on those overhead information signs every few km. warning of double demerit points over Christmas and the New Year. Not to mention the numerous "weaving warriors" changing lanes every few seconds to get in front of everyone else (despite the fact that the freeway wasn't particularly busy at the time). Idiots.

A big problem with many drivers is that they don't understand the meaning of the word 'limit'.

Leroy wrote on Dec 26^th, 2024 at 2:52pm:

Carl D wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 10:23am: greggerypeccary wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 10:00am: No.  Never. If drivers breaking the law are never caught, they'll never learn. I saw some idiot just the other day flashing his lights to warn people about a booze bus. Why on earth would anyone want drunk drivers to escape? Indeed. Some people will never learn. My aunt and I went to The Boat at Mindarie yesterday for a Christmas do with some friends which started at 5pm. Took me about 45 minutes to get there driving up the freeway to Neerabup Road then across to Mindarie and all the way up there I saw lots of speeding drivers overtaking us (we were doing the 100 limit) despite numerous messages on those overhead information signs every few km. warning of double demerit points over Christmas and the New Year. Not to mention the numerous "weaving warriors" changing lanes every few seconds to get in front of everyone else (despite the fact that the freeway wasn't particularly busy at the time). Idiots. Good chance you were only doing 90-95kmh, speedo's on cars are always under the real speed and some drivers who use real time speeds will be going faster than you.

nahh - in Melbourne we have speed testers on the freeways.

When I go 98km/hr on my speedo - it says 97 km/ hr  - so only 1  out.

Leroy wrote on Dec 26^th, 2024 at 2:52pm:

Carl D wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 10:23am: greggerypeccary wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 10:00am: No.  Never. If drivers breaking the law are never caught, they'll never learn. I saw some idiot just the other day flashing his lights to warn people about a booze bus. Why on earth would anyone want drunk drivers to escape? Indeed. Some people will never learn. My aunt and I went to The Boat at Mindarie yesterday for a Christmas do with some friends which started at 5pm. Took me about 45 minutes to get there driving up the freeway to Neerabup Road then across to Mindarie and all the way up there I saw lots of speeding drivers overtaking us (we were doing the 100 limit) despite numerous messages on those overhead information signs every few km. warning of double demerit points over Christmas and the New Year. Not to mention the numerous "weaving warriors" changing lanes every few seconds to get in front of everyone else (despite the fact that the freeway wasn't particularly busy at the time). Idiots. Good chance you were only doing 90-95kmh, speedo's on cars are always under the real speed and some drivers who use real time speeds will be going faster than you.

Yup. When the TomTom SatNav device shows I am doing 99kph the speedometer shows 104kph, quite a difference. (The HUD displays 106kph—set to 7kph above real speed for some reason.)

Speedos are unreliable! When you have brand new tyres inflated to the correct pressure the diameter of the wheel+tyre is greater than when tyres are worn out and keep a lower pressure. Use a satnav or HUD using satellites to measure your speed.

Bigger diameter of wheels = bigger distance covered per engine revolution.

I found out that my car does 55km/h when the speedometer says 60km/h. So, I drive around at 5km/h above what my speedometer says.

Jovial Monk wrote on Dec 26^th, 2024 at 3:52pm:

Yup. When the TomTom SatNav device shows I am doing 99kph the speedometer shows 104kph, quite a difference. (The HUD displays 106kph—set to 7kph above real speed for some reason.) Speedos are unreliable! When you have brand new tyres inflated to the correct pressure the diameter of the wheel+tyre is greater than when tyres are worn out and keep a lower pressure. Use a satnav or HUD using satellites to measure your speed. Bigger diameter of wheels = bigger distance covered per engine revolution.

Car makers cannot set the speedo to show your speed as slower than real speed, they must show correct or up to 10% below speed. Some are close to real speed and others are under, this is all due to regulations.

It is well to remember that Booze buses do not measure sobriety but blood alcohol levels.
One may be as sober as a Judge but having imbibed a bit to much the night before, even though sober and in command of one’s faculties, still go over the limit when tested the next morning.
I know people who have had this happen to them.

Leroy wrote on Dec 26^th, 2024 at 4:31pm:

Jovial Monk wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 3:52pm: Yup. When the TomTom SatNav device shows I am doing 99kph the speedometer shows 104kph, quite a difference. (The HUD displays 106kph—set to 7kph above real speed for some reason.) Speedos are unreliable! When you have brand new tyres inflated to the correct pressure the diameter of the wheel+tyre is greater than when tyres are worn out and keep a lower pressure. Use a satnav or HUD using satellites to measure your speed. Bigger diameter of wheels = bigger distance covered per engine revolution. Car makers cannot set the speedo to show your speed as slower than real speed, they must show correct or up to 10% below speed. Some are close to real speed and others are under, this is all due to regulations.

HUD is not made by a car maker.

Just a thought, but how does flashing one’s lights tell anyone that there is a booze bus ahead and not a camera car?

Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Dec 26^th, 2024 at 9:54pm:

Just a thought, but how does flashing one’s lights tell anyone that there is a booze bus ahead and not a camera car?

Ask the buggerwit who was flashing his lights.

greggerypeccary wrote on Dec 27^th, 2024 at 12:13am:

Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 9:54pm: Just a thought, but how does flashing one’s lights tell anyone that there is a booze bus ahead and not a camera car? Ask the buggerwit who was flashing his lights.

Good point.

I think I mentioned this before. I was driving along the highway at night. I saw a car ahead. I dipped my high beam lights. The other car dipped their high beam lights. Then they started flashing their lights at me to dip my lights. Of course, I could not go any lower than that other than to turn off my headlights. They just drive pass me with their high beam set back on just before they pass. I drive on another 100 metres, and then put my high beam back on. Either that other driver felt like a dumbarse, or did not care. Some head lights are really quite bright that it is confusing for other drivers.

UnSubRocky wrote on Dec 27^th, 2024 at 1:50pm:

I think I mentioned this before. I was driving along the highway at night. I saw a car ahead. I dipped my high beam lights. The other car dipped their high beam lights. Then they started flashing their lights at me to dip my lights. Of course, I could not go any lower than that other than to turn off my headlights. They just drive pass me with their high beam set back on just before they pass. I drive on another 100 metres, and then put my high beam back on. Either that other driver felt like a dumbarse, or did not care. Some head lights are really quite bright that it is confusing for other drivers.

Could be the headlights are not properly positioned. If your headlights are not adjusted correctly they will appear to be too bright and cause other drivers to think you are on hi beam. I tow a caravan and have headlight adjustment to lower my lights when towing as the weight on the back pulls the vehicle down raising the light position. I'm not saying yours is but it could be a reason.

The headlights I got were brighter than what the car came with originally.

I used to be employed as a mobile safety camera operator and know for sure that there were many times that drivers were alerted to my presence while I was conducting a session in the camera vehicle. It wasn't just flashing their headlights. I could see it on Facebook groups, which would alert drivers to the locations of camera vehicles. Did I care? Not a bit. Why? Because the places where the Police selected (yes, Police choose the locations, not the company contracted to run the camera vehicles or even the drivers themselves) for me to set up on a specific day and time and for a period of time were chosen because there had been enough instances of people speeding to warrant it, or the area was a known black spot with a high number of accidents. The sites aren't chosen willy-nilly. There's a long process involved in selecting them. So if drivers are warned of the presence of my camera vehicle and it makes them slow down in an area that has a track record for accidents, for example, then that's fine with me because it means there's less likelihood of another accident happening while I'm there.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 1^st, 2025 at 4:46pm:

I used to be employed as a mobile safety camera operator and know for sure that there were many times that drivers were alerted to my presence while I was conducting a session in the camera vehicle. It wasn't just flashing their headlights. I could see it on Facebook groups, which would alert drivers to the locations of camera vehicles. Did I care? Not a bit. Why? Because the places where the Police selected (yes, Police choose the locations, not the company contracted to run the camera vehicles or even the drivers themselves) for me to set up on a specific day and time and for a period of time were chosen because there had been enough instances of people speeding to warrant it, or the area was a known black spot with a high number of accidents. The sites aren't chosen willy-nilly. There's a long process involved in selecting them. So if drivers are warned of the presence of my camera vehicle and it makes them slow down in an area that has a track record for accidents, for example, then that's fine with me because it means there's less likelihood of another accident happening while I'm there.

I guessing your work would have played a part in changing the habits of some drivers.

Leroy wrote on Jan 1^st, 2025 at 6:12pm:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 1st, 2025 at 4:46pm: I used to be employed as a mobile safety camera operator and know for sure that there were many times that drivers were alerted to my presence while I was conducting a session in the camera vehicle. It wasn't just flashing their headlights. I could see it on Facebook groups, which would alert drivers to the locations of camera vehicles. Did I care? Not a bit. Why? Because the places where the Police selected (yes, Police choose the locations, not the company contracted to run the camera vehicles or even the drivers themselves) for me to set up on a specific day and time and for a period of time were chosen because there had been enough instances of people speeding to warrant it, or the area was a known black spot with a high number of accidents. The sites aren't chosen willy-nilly. There's a long process involved in selecting them. So if drivers are warned of the presence of my camera vehicle and it makes them slow down in an area that has a track record for accidents, for example, then that's fine with me because it means there's less likelihood of another accident happening while I'm there. I guessing your work would have played a part in changing the habits of some drivers.

I hope so - I like to think so, anyway. That's why I wish people would not demonise and in some cases, physically and verbally attack the people operating those camera vehicles. First of all, they're just doing a job and secondly, if you're not speeding and you are paying attention, what do you have to worry about? It's only "revenue raising" if you're speeding. Secondly, everyone I know who does that job is doing it because they want to make the roads safer.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 1^st, 2025 at 6:15pm:

I hope so - I like to think so, anyway.

You made the place safer and better.

Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Dec 25^th, 2024 at 10:42pm:

Daves2017 wrote on Dec 24th, 2024 at 11:10pm: They put signs out giving reasonable warning. If you too thick in the head to understand that flashing lights isn’t going help and preferably these people shouldn’t be on road anyway? Plenty of people seem too support a drunk, meth head, ice addict till they total there car and kill your son or daughter. Only then do you preach a different tune? The signs are tiny and.just near the camera and most speed limits are bull anyway, otherwise NSW wouldn’t have collected so much in speeding fines. ‘’ Mobile speed cameras have slapped NSW drivers with more fines and collected more money in 2021 than ever before, since the removal of warning signs.this, I believe, refers to the former easily seen large signs Speeding fines skyrocketed throughout 2021 with the hidden cameras collecting a record $73.6 million, according to The Daily Telegraph. Almost $40.4 million in fines were issued to drivers caught going less than 10km over the speed limit in the 12 months to December, a whopping 750 per cent more than in 2020 Only $14.8 million in fines were issued for the same offence over the five years leading up to 2021.’’ Revenue raising. The town of Invarell in NSW is a case in point, one street, with houses on both sides and young children, is a 70 kph zone because it is a diversion for semi-trailers and heavy trucks to pass the main part of town, and just for laughs, the Gwydir Highway for approx a kilometre is flanked by mostly deserted parklands on one side and by the side fences of houses on the other, the speed limits is 50 kph, and a lucrative spot for a hidden camera. No Government in NSW is going to post realistic speed limits, to much revenue would be lost.

There's only one instance in which it's "revenue raising", and that's when you're speeding. Easy way to stop revenue raising is by driving to the speed limit and the road conditions.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 1^st, 2025 at 6:15pm:

Leroy wrote on Jan 1st, 2025 at 6:12pm: Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 1st, 2025 at 4:46pm: I used to be employed as a mobile safety camera operator and know for sure that there were many times that drivers were alerted to my presence while I was conducting a session in the camera vehicle. It wasn't just flashing their headlights. I could see it on Facebook groups, which would alert drivers to the locations of camera vehicles. Did I care? Not a bit. Why? Because the places where the Police selected (yes, Police choose the locations, not the company contracted to run the camera vehicles or even the drivers themselves) for me to set up on a specific day and time and for a period of time were chosen because there had been enough instances of people speeding to warrant it, or the area was a known black spot with a high number of accidents. The sites aren't chosen willy-nilly. There's a long process involved in selecting them. So if drivers are warned of the presence of my camera vehicle and it makes them slow down in an area that has a track record for accidents, for example, then that's fine with me because it means there's less likelihood of another accident happening while I'm there. I guessing your work would have played a part in changing the habits of some drivers. I hope so - I like to think so, anyway. That's why I wish people would not demonise and in some cases, physically and verbally attack the people operating those camera vehicles. First of all, they're just doing a job and secondly, if you're not speeding and you are paying attention, what do you have to worry about? It's only "revenue raising" if you're speeding. Secondly, everyone I know who does that job is doing it because they want to make the roads safer.

Indeed.

I have the utmost respect for camera operators.

And yes, if you don't want to contribute to so-called 'revenue raising', don't speed.

It's really not that hard.

Jovial Monk wrote on Dec 26^th, 2024 at 3:52pm:

Leroy wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 2:52pm: Carl D wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 10:23am: greggerypeccary wrote on Dec 26th, 2024 at 10:00am: No.  Never. If drivers breaking the law are never caught, they'll never learn. I saw some idiot just the other day flashing his lights to warn people about a booze bus. Why on earth would anyone want drunk drivers to escape? Indeed. Some people will never learn. My aunt and I went to The Boat at Mindarie yesterday for a Christmas do with some friends which started at 5pm. Took me about 45 minutes to get there driving up the freeway to Neerabup Road then across to Mindarie and all the way up there I saw lots of speeding drivers overtaking us (we were doing the 100 limit) despite numerous messages on those overhead information signs every few km. warning of double demerit points over Christmas and the New Year. Not to mention the numerous "weaving warriors" changing lanes every few seconds to get in front of everyone else (despite the fact that the freeway wasn't particularly busy at the time). Idiots. Good chance you were only doing 90-95kmh, speedo's on cars are always under the real speed and some drivers who use real time speeds will be going faster than you. Yup. When the TomTom SatNav device shows I am doing 99kph the speedometer shows 104kph, quite a difference. (The HUD displays 106kph—set to 7kph above real speed for some reason.) Speedos are unreliable! When you have brand new tyres inflated to the correct pressure the diameter of the wheel+tyre is greater than when tyres are worn out and keep a lower pressure. Use a satnav or HUD using satellites to measure your speed. Bigger diameter of wheels = bigger distance covered per engine revolution.

All car speedometers (except for Police) are "calibrated" so that, generally speaking, if your speedometer shows you doing 100km/h then your actual speed as shown on a LIDAR unit might show 95km/h. It's usually 4-5km/h or so. Why? Because over time your tyres will come to have less tread, changing the tyre radius and therefore altering the speed shown on your speedometer. It's also because not everyone will keep their tyres inflated to the proper pressure reading (e.g. 35psi). This is why it's very important and highly recommended that you do not change the size of wheel fitted from the factory, as it will alter the speed shown. The reason car speedometers are calibrated is to provide drivers with an allowance to take into account these and other factors. It's a way of giving you a chance NOT to get caught speeding. Add to this the fact that, unlike fixed speed cameras, mobile speed camera systems have a speed allowance built in before you get your picture taken, and anyone caught speeding by a speed camera is very deserving of that penalty notice. I know this because I used to be a mobile safety camera operator.

greggerypeccary wrote on Jan 1^st, 2025 at 6:22pm:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 1st, 2025 at 6:15pm: Leroy wrote on Jan 1st, 2025 at 6:12pm: Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 1st, 2025 at 4:46pm: I used to be employed as a mobile safety camera operator and know for sure that there were many times that drivers were alerted to my presence while I was conducting a session in the camera vehicle. It wasn't just flashing their headlights. I could see it on Facebook groups, which would alert drivers to the locations of camera vehicles. Did I care? Not a bit. Why? Because the places where the Police selected (yes, Police choose the locations, not the company contracted to run the camera vehicles or even the drivers themselves) for me to set up on a specific day and time and for a period of time were chosen because there had been enough instances of people speeding to warrant it, or the area was a known black spot with a high number of accidents. The sites aren't chosen willy-nilly. There's a long process involved in selecting them. So if drivers are warned of the presence of my camera vehicle and it makes them slow down in an area that has a track record for accidents, for example, then that's fine with me because it means there's less likelihood of another accident happening while I'm there. I guessing your work would have played a part in changing the habits of some drivers. I hope so - I like to think so, anyway. That's why I wish people would not demonise and in some cases, physically and verbally attack the people operating those camera vehicles. First of all, they're just doing a job and secondly, if you're not speeding and you are paying attention, what do you have to worry about? It's only "revenue raising" if you're speeding. Secondly, everyone I know who does that job is doing it because they want to make the roads safer. Indeed. I have the utmost respect for camera operators. And yes, if you don't want to contribute to so-called 'revenue raising', don't speed. It's really not that hard.

Exactly, and I get it - on a long trip you might look down and you're doing 102km/h and then you look down again a few minutes later on a slight downhill slope and you're doing 107km/h. No one is perfect and no one can drive right on the speed limit 100% of the time - at least no one I know and certainly not me. A speed camera will not take this into account. However, the Police do have the power to exercise discretion (unlike fixed or mobile speed cameras) to choose whether or not to stop you and this is why they generally follow you for a while before deciding to pull you over - unless you're driving well over the speed limit, of course.