Police have a super-strength camera which can spot drivers using mobile phones nearly a mile away

Police have unveiled their new weapon – a camera that can produce clear images of people inside a car almost a mile away and dubbed ‘The Long Ranger’.

The massive camera has been showcased at the launch of a pilot project called Operation Indemnis.

Police in Gloucester are using the whopping camera to tackle motoring offences such as speeding, tailgating and using a mobile phone while driving. 

Speed guns have been able to detect how fast cars travel but the new camera produces clear video footage and still photographs of the people inside them. 

 

PC Sean Graham is one of a number of officers tasked with testing the new long-range camera. He is pictured here on the A417 in Gloucestershire, where police hope to catch motorists using their mobile phones

The new camera can take pictures of people inside cars from one kilometre away. Pictured is test footage from the new camera which was showcased at the launch of a pilot project called Operation Indemnis

The new camera can take pictures of people inside cars from one kilometre away. Pictured is test footage from the new camera which was showcased at the launch of a pilot project called Operation Indemnis

Police have been testing the new camera on roads around Gloucestershire. The project takes a new collaborative approach to the policing of the A417 and A419 - a major strategic route linking Gloucestershire and Wiltshire as well as the M4 and M5

Police have been testing the new camera on roads around Gloucestershire. The project takes a new collaborative approach to the policing of the A417 and A419 – a major strategic route linking Gloucestershire and Wiltshire as well as the M4 and M5

Martin Surl, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire where the kit is being tested, said he hoped that it would catch people using their mobile phones.

When contacted by MailOnline, his office claimed the new camera could produce clear images at twice the distance of a normal one.  

The project takes a new collaborative approach to the policing of the A417 and A419 – a major strategic route linking Gloucestershire and Wiltshire as well as the M4 and M5.

At peak times, it carries an estimated 35,000 vehicles day and has become an accident hotspot.

What is the law on using a mobile phone while driving? 

It’s illegal to hold a phone or sat nav while driving or riding a motorcycle. You must have hands-free access.  

The device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead.

You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times. 

The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re distracted and you can be prosecuted.

You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you use a hand-held phone when driving. 

You’ll also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last 2 years.

You can get 3 penalty points if you don’t have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle.  

 Source: www.gov.uk

Officers will use the long-distance camera and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to check on what vehicles are on the roads and how they are being driven.

They said the main aim was to educate people about how to drive more safely, to prevent accidents that can kill or seriously injure people.

Some drivers will be given advice about their driving while others, who have committed offences, will be prosecuted.

The operation was launched in a lay-by on the A417 known as Granny’s Pumps. It is between Cirencester and the outskirts of both Cheltenham and Gloucester.

If the pilot is successful, it could be applied to any road in the county.

Mr Surl said: ‘This is one of the county’s busiest roads which also has one of the worst accident records due to the way it’s used.

‘Many people have come to me with their concerns about speeding and other safety issues along this road.

‘We now have a chance to test a new model of collaborative road policing which, if it proves a success, can be put into practice elsewhere.

‘The aim is not just to penalise motorists but to uphold the law by creating a change in people’s behaviour. But the police will enforce the law when necessary.’

Safe and social driving has always been one of Mr Surl’s priorities.

He recently funded two additional camera enforcement officers and specialised equipment to reinforce the efforts of community speedwatch groups.

Clear video footage and pictures can be taken with the new camera, which police say can produce quality images at almost twice the distance of a normal one 

Clear video footage and pictures can be taken with the new camera, which police say can produce quality images at almost twice the distance of a normal one 

Police hope the new camera will help them catch motorists using their mobile phone while driving. Some drivers will be given advice about their driving while others, who have committed offences, will be prosecuted

Police hope the new camera will help them catch motorists using their mobile phone while driving. Some drivers will be given advice about their driving while others, who have committed offences, will be prosecuted

The aim has been to reduce speeding, tailgating and the number of drivers using their mobile phones at the wheel and not wearing a seatbelt.

Chief Inspector Mark Soderland said: ‘A core aim of the approach is collaborating wherever possible with other road safety stakeholders.’

The team has started with Highways England and the county council and is now approaching groups such as the Motor Insurers Bureau, The Institute of Advanced Motorists and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Authority.

It hopes to explore what opportunities there might be to work together and improve safety. 

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