Frequently Asked Questions
How do speed cameras work?
The automated speed cameras measure the speed of each passing vehicle. A series of video images and photographs are recorded to document vehicles traveling at or above a determined speed threshold. The date, time, and location of the violation, as well as the speed and license plate of the violator’s vehicle are recorded. Following the proper identification of the registered owner of the vehicle using the license plate number, the registered owner is mailed a citation, which includes the violation photos and the vehicle speed.
How is the speed determined?
For speed enforcement, a speed measuring device, LIDAR or RADAR, is aimed across the road and determines the speed of the vehicles that pass through it. If the detected speed is higher than the established speed threshold set by the jurisdiction, required images are captured and recorded. A data bar is embedded on the image that captures the event time, date, location, speed and camera identification.
- FOR REGISTERED OWNER LIABLE ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS: Two images of the rear of the vehicle showing progression are captured and recorded.
- FOR DRIVER LIABLE ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS: Two images of the rear of the vehicle are recorded, as well as an image of the front of the vehicle. This front image of the vehicle is used by the Police Department to identify the driver of the vehicle through DMV state driver’s license photos.
How can accuracy be guaranteed?
The enforcement system undergoes a thorough self-check daily, that will repeat upon failure. The results of the testing are recorded in the system. The cameras will only enforce if everything is working properly and will shut down in the event an error occurs. An annual calibration certification for all speed equipment is conducted by an independent third party and certificates are available for evidentiary purposes.
After the event is recorded, it is transferred into a back-office system where the encrypted information is reviewed by the City’s vendor for initial processing, followed by a final approval to issue by the issuing authority.
How are violators images captured?
As described above, each of our enforcement systems, whether RADAR or LiDAR activate image recording or capture when a vehicle is above a speed threshold or enters an intersection during the active red-light phase of a traffic signal. These images are only recorded if the system detects a violation.
How is the data transferred to ensure no manipulation of data has occurred?
The City’s vendor’s systems use Secure File Transfer Protocol or (SFTP) to send violation event information to our secure servers. How is the violator information found?
A registered owner’s information is obtained through a secure file transfer process from NLETS and/or the Department of Motor Vehicles and the database record is appended with the driver’s information.
How often are the measuring devices calibrated and tested?
Calibration is verified daily and recorded. The form is stored and available in the system. If the calibration is not verified for the day, the system will not record any events until the issue has been resolved. The radars are calibrated and certified annually by an independent third-party. The City’s vendor speed enforcement devices are calibrated by an independent or third-party calibration lab to ensure accuracy.
What does the citation look like?
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