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What is a safety camera?

'Safety cameras' is a collective name for both static and mobile speed detection cameras, as well as red traffic light cameras."Safety camera" reflects their use as a road safety device.

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How do mobile safety cameras work?

Mobile safety cameras are operated by an Enforcement Officer through the rear or side window of a van. The operator must first form the opinion that a vehicle is exceeding the speed limit before using the camera equipment to corroborate this opinion.

These cameras are placed into vans specifically designed for attending locations where there is a poor collision history and vehicles exceed the speed limit. They have high visibility markings on them. 

We also have an unmarked motorcycle with speed detection equipment. This is used to "follow" vehicles, as well as having a recording capability, where a Police Officer records speeds at the road side.

All the sites where our vehicles are deployed have been checked and approved for use.

We analyse routes in Derbyshire to  target areas where there is a speed and collision problem. In addition to the 117 fixed sites our mobile units attend a maximum of 60 "problem routes" which meet our criteria. Previous guidelines which had been recommended by the Association of Chief Police Officers (A.C.P.O.), no longer apply.

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How do fixed safety cameras work?

There are currently 117 fixed safety cameras across Derbyshire. All routes are clearly signed so that road users are aware that safety cameras are in operation there. Two different types of fixed safety camera are operated in Derbyshire:

GATSO - These use a radar to measure the speed of vehicles and are only able to take rear facing photography.

TRUVELO - These use sensors embedded in the road to measure the speed of vehicles and have the ability to take front and rear facing photography.

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How many red light cameras are there in Derbyshire?

There are currently no red light cameras in Derbyshire.

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Where did the alleged offence take place and how fast was I going?

The location of the camera and the speed recorded at the time of the offence is detailed on the front of the Notice of Intended Prosecution.

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Can I have a copy of the photograph?

Photographs are not sent out in the first instance, but if you wish to obtain a copy, then write to us at the C.R.E.S.T office and a copy will be sent to you.
As we use both front and rear photography, these pictures might not identify the driver. 

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I don't know who was driving my vehicle?

If you are the registered keeper of the vehicle, it is your responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure you know who was driving. If you are unable, or fail to tell us who was driving, you could be prosecuted under Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. This carries a penalty of 6 points and a fine, if you are convicted at court.

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What should I do when I receive the Notice of Intended Prosecution (N.O.I.P.)?

You must complete the documentation we have sent you. If you were the driver, complete the form and send it back to us as soon as possible.
If someone else was driving your vehicle, give us the details by completing the relevant section on the rear of the N.O.I.P. and return it as soon as possible. ( Do not pass the form to the other driver. Complete this form, return it to us, so that we can send the nominated driver his / her own form). 

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What happens next?

This depends on 2 things:
1. You must return the form giving the driver details,  within the time limits (28 days in the first instance).

2. The speed your vehicle was travelling at when we detected it.
We use the national guidelines when deciding how you are dealt with. If time permits, you may be offered a Speed Awareness Course, if the speed recorded was between 35mph & 42mph, in a 30mph area (higher speeds apply in other speed limits). In Derbyshire the course currently costs £92. It is class room based and lasts approximately 4 hours. You can usually take a course near to where you live. No points are attached to your licence and you are allowed to take 1 course in any 3 year period. You must book and pay for the course within 14 days of receiving the offer, to qualify.

If you book and pay for a course and do not attend, you may not be able to rebook and may lose any fees already paid. In this circumstance, you may then receive a conditional offer of fixed penalty, or a summons to attend court.   

If you choose not to take a course, or  you were travelling between 43mph & 49mph in a 30mph limit, we will offer you a fixed penalty ticket. This carries a fine of £60 and 3 penalty points.   

If you currently have more than 8 penalty points on your licence, or the recorded speed was too great, you will receive a summons to attend court, so that the Magistrates can consider your case.

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I have lost the N.O.I.P what should I do?

We will send you a reminder after 28 days. You should fill this in and return it to us as soon as possible.
If you ignore this, we will pass your details to our Police investigation team, who will contact you.

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I can't find my licence?

You should still complete and return the form we sent you. Give us your details and we can still process this for you. In the meantime, tell the D.V.L.A and apply for a duplicate licence.

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Can I challenge the offence or plead mitigating circumstances?

You can choose at any time to plead not guilty to challenge the evidence.  If you do not qualify for a speed awareness course and have received your conditional offer of a fixed penalty, you can choose to pay the fine and accept the points on your licence, or elect to have the matter dealt with at court. Only a Magistrate can take into account mitigating circumstances. If you elect a court hearing, you may be liable to an increase in the fine and number of points, plus additional costs.    

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How can I be sure you saw my vehicle?

The photographs we have will clearly show the vehicle. If you doubt the identity of the vehicle photographed by us, you should contact us immediately. We will investigate the circumstances which may involve you submitting your vehicle for a detailed inspection.

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How accurate is your equipment?

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I can't remember seeing any speed limit signs. How do I know they were there?

Before we do any checks, we ensure all the signs are in situ and lawful. The operator records the fact that the signs have been checked. (A system of street lighting automatically denotes a 30 mph limit, unless  signs tell you otherwise). If you are still unsure, visit the site which is shown on the N.O.I.P. we have sent you. Or try one of the internet search engines. This might have a street view of the location, which may help.

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Why has the speed limit been changed?

The Highways Authority are responsible for setting the speed limit on the County's roads. Central Government instructed Derby City & Derbyshire County Council, to examine all major routes in the County, which have a speed or collision problem. Where speed limits have been altered / reduced, it is as a result of this review, or local residents complaints and concerns. 

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None of these F.A.Q's help my case, I need to contact you.  

You can write to us at the address on the N.O.I.P. We have a customer service advisor who should be able to answer the query for you. Bear in mind this may take time and limit your options, (see What Happens Next, above). Our contact details can be found here.

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