Re: Lollycams to trap speeders
Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 1:41 am
Wonder how much extra the lollies will get paid extra for this stint.
Evening Times
Lollycams to trap speeders
The 'lollycams' could be rolled out to all of the 300 school crossing staff across Glasgow
SCHOOL crossing patrols in Glasgow are to test a secret weapon in the fight against dangerous drivers - lollycams.
The £1000 video cameras will be fitted to some of the city's 300 hand-held lollipop' signs, allowing crossing patrols to record offenders who ignore their instructions to stop.
The mini cameras, fitted to either side of the pole, record video and sound and capture reckless drivers on film.
The cameras are activated when the pole touches the ground and are pointed at the offending car to record the number plate.
The company which runs school crossing patrols in Glasgow hopes the cameras will give police a greater chance of securing convictions against speeding drivers - with fines of up to £1000 - and act as a deterrent.
Although similar systems have been tested in parts of England, it's believed it will be the first time such technology has been used in Scotland.
Cordia, the new arms-length company created by Glasgow City Council earlier this week, has taken over services run by the council's Direct and Care Services department, including school crossings.
Cordia managing director Fergus Chambers said: "One of the biggest problems we have is speeding cars, which don't slow down.
"Quoting the registration number to the police isn't always enough. We have to protect staff as well as customers."
Witnesses can help secure convictions, but they aren't always available or may not be deemed reliable enough - if they are children, for example.
Mr Chambers said Cordia was still researching the best technology for the lollipop cameras, but expected installation to cost around £1000 per sign.
He added: "It isn't expensive when you're talking in terms of the life of a child."
The company is looking to secure a sponsor for the scheme, but will go ahead without one if necessary, which could be within a month.
Initially, a small number of signs will be tested at problem crossings. If successful, they could be rolled out to most of Glasgow's 300 school crossing staff.
A police spokeswoman said: "There are always occasional drivers who don't obey the crossing patrols. If this is another piece of evidence which can be presented to the fiscal that is obviously welcome."
Publication date 03/04/09
Evening Times
Lollycams to trap speeders
The 'lollycams' could be rolled out to all of the 300 school crossing staff across Glasgow
SCHOOL crossing patrols in Glasgow are to test a secret weapon in the fight against dangerous drivers - lollycams.
The £1000 video cameras will be fitted to some of the city's 300 hand-held lollipop' signs, allowing crossing patrols to record offenders who ignore their instructions to stop.
The mini cameras, fitted to either side of the pole, record video and sound and capture reckless drivers on film.
The cameras are activated when the pole touches the ground and are pointed at the offending car to record the number plate.
The company which runs school crossing patrols in Glasgow hopes the cameras will give police a greater chance of securing convictions against speeding drivers - with fines of up to £1000 - and act as a deterrent.
Although similar systems have been tested in parts of England, it's believed it will be the first time such technology has been used in Scotland.
Cordia, the new arms-length company created by Glasgow City Council earlier this week, has taken over services run by the council's Direct and Care Services department, including school crossings.
Cordia managing director Fergus Chambers said: "One of the biggest problems we have is speeding cars, which don't slow down.
"Quoting the registration number to the police isn't always enough. We have to protect staff as well as customers."
Witnesses can help secure convictions, but they aren't always available or may not be deemed reliable enough - if they are children, for example.
Mr Chambers said Cordia was still researching the best technology for the lollipop cameras, but expected installation to cost around £1000 per sign.
He added: "It isn't expensive when you're talking in terms of the life of a child."
The company is looking to secure a sponsor for the scheme, but will go ahead without one if necessary, which could be within a month.
Initially, a small number of signs will be tested at problem crossings. If successful, they could be rolled out to most of Glasgow's 300 school crossing staff.
A police spokeswoman said: "There are always occasional drivers who don't obey the crossing patrols. If this is another piece of evidence which can be presented to the fiscal that is obviously welcome."
Publication date 03/04/09