Speed Detection

Under the Freedom of Information Act, I would like the following information:

1. What speed detection devices are equipped on unmarked police vehicles?
2. Are unmarked police vehicles equipped with visual and audio recording equipment?
3. What is the most common speed detection device used by the traffic police?
4. What evidence is required by the traffic police to form a good prosecution?

This information is required for a university research report focusing on unmarked police vehicles with the title "How advanced are today's modern police vehicles at tackling UK traffic crime?".

In accordance with section 1(1) (b) of the Act our response is provided below;

1. VASCAR, Provida, Speedometer.
2. A proportion of unmarked vehicle are equipped with video recording.
3. Unipar and LASTEC speed detection units
4. The speed limit must be correctly signed and authorised by the highway agency for the road. The officer must have initial belief that a vehicle is travelling above the legal speed limit. This needs corroboration by means of a Type Approved and calibrated device. This can be a number of things, VASCAR, speedometer, Lazer technology, radar. In rare cases just officer opinion can suffice but this is up to the court to decide on the evidence submitted. Officers need to have received training in operating the device used.

If I can be of any further assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.