Q - What is a safety camera?
A - It is the umbrella term for fixed speed, mobile speed & red light cameras. The term Safety Camera may be referring to any of these.

Q - Do cameras work 24 hours a day?
A - The digital cameras work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cameras within our Gatso & Truvelo housings work on a rotational basis, with the Technicians moving the cameras around the different housings regularly.

Q - Why are the cameras all painted yellow?
A - This is in accordance with DfT guidelines on making the cameras more conspicuous. We want to give motorists the best chance possible of realising they are going too fast & slowing down before they get to the camera.

Q - Do all cameras have to be painted yellow?
A - (ATS) Red Light Cameras do not have to be yellow, although most are now in Greater Manchester. All speed cameras do have to be yellow though.

Q - Is there more evidence to say that yellow cameras are more effective than grey ones?
A - No, it is purely to help the motorist notice the camera better before they go through it.

Q - How was I detected?
A - That depends on the type of camera, as each use different types of technology. Some use radar technology, whereas others used lines in the road or sensors.

Q - How can I be sure that all the cameras work properly and are calibrated and tested properly?
A - The Central Team are dedicated to ensuring all procedures & guidance is followed. All calibration certificates are available if someone wishes to challenge their offence at court. The Technicians perform a mini-self calibration test each time they visit the site. If any problems are highlighted, the camera will be sent away to the manufacturer for repair. Cameras are only ever used when we are 100% sure that they are working accurately.

Q - Are there different types of cameras?
A - Yes, In Greater Manchester we have Gatso speed, Gatso Red Light cameras, Truvelo speed and RedSpeed digital red light/speed cameras. There are also SPECS average speed cameras on the motorways, however they are not owned or operated by the Partnership.

Q - Will mobile units be coloured?
A - The vans will always be liveried with the Partnership colours & the Technicians will be wearing high visibility jackets.

Q - Are cameras always easy to see?
A - Yes, as well as being bright yellow, the speed cameras are well signed, with a sign always being in the same line of view as a camera. However Red Light cameras do not have to be yellow. Since the signal alone indicates the legal requirement to stop, red light cameras do not have to be made conspicuous

Q - Why do you refer to them as safety cameras, when they are all speed cameras?
A - The term 'Safety Cameras' actually refers to both speed & traffic signal cameras.

Q - Does the photograph show the driver?
A - Front facing cameras, such as the Truvelo & mobile speed cameras do, whereas the Gatso & traffic signal cameras don't.

Q - Do all safety cameras have a sign to warn you about them?
A - Yes.