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Speed van question

  • 07-09-2019 6:10pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 259 ✭✭


    Hi all,

    I'm probably the 1 millionth person to ask this or something similar so apologies in advance.
    I was driving on the motorway and about 200-300metres ahead I notice the gosafe van.
    At the time my speedometer read between 135-140kmph.
    I hit the brakes straight away. As i passed the van within speed I noticed the side door open.
    My questions if anyone can help is:
    1. Is 200-300m within range?
    2. If the side door is open does that mean the camera is not operational? I know the inside is blacked out for lighting purposes so surely if the door is open this defeats that purpose and the operator was possibly setting up/finishing up?

    Also I know my speedometer reads close to 10% above.

    TIA


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    I hope you had time to check behind you before you braked.

    There will be a letter in the mail, or not.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 259 ✭✭PremierDeise


    biko wrote: »
    I hope you had time to check behind you before you braked.

    There will be a letter in the mail, or not.


    No one behind me.
    Second line I know that myself. I'm asking peoples opinions from experience if they had something similar


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,053 ✭✭✭Quantum Erasure


    you're not in range till your nearly on top of them,


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    I'm asking peoples opinions from experience if they had something similar
    I know but there is just no way of knowing for sure if they nabbed you or not.
    The general rule of thumb is that if you can see the van, you're probably in range.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 259 ✭✭PremierDeise


    orli na nh wrote: »
    you're not in range till your nearly on top of them,


    Thank you. Are we talking 20/50/100m. Sorry if it sounds silly 😂😂


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,053 ✭✭✭Quantum Erasure


    The camera is supposed to be aimed at a precise 22 degree angle towards the targeted vehicle lane.

    depends how near the driving lane the van is set up, but itll only catch you at roughly twice the perpindicular distance between the camera and the middle of the driving lane


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 259 ✭✭PremierDeise


    orli na nh wrote: »
    depends how near the driving lane the van is set up, but itll only catch you at roughly twice the perpindicular distance between the camera and the middle of the driving lane

    It was set up slightly higher than road level about 5 meters from edge of first lane


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Was definitely over the limit by 10kph driving straight past one a few months ago. Been waiting for the letter but nothing so far.

    Makes me wonder are they all actually switched on.

    I'll probably get a letter now on Monday!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 259 ✭✭PremierDeise


    6 wrote: »
    Was definitely over the limit by 10kph driving straight past one a few months ago. Been waiting for the letter but nothing so far.

    Makes me wonder are they all actually switched on.

    I'll probably get a letter now on Monday!


    They say 3-5 working days as it is all automated now.
    Car speedometers generally read 10% higher than actual speed


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    They say 3-5 working days as it is all automated now.
    Car speedometers generally read 10% higher than actual speed

    I was 60/61 in a 50. Deserved a ticket. It was back in July so reckon I might be alright.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 259 ✭✭PremierDeise


    What's the view on the side door open? Light inside the van etc etc
    Surely it defeats the purpose of it blacked out??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,526 ✭✭✭✭fullstop


    What's the view on the side door open? Light inside the van etc etc
    Surely it defeats the purpose of it blacked out??

    They were using the handheld gun, got you with that I reckon.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 259 ✭✭PremierDeise


    fullstop wrote: »
    They were using the handheld gun, got you with that I reckon.

    I dont know if I have been done. Passed the van earlier, sode door was open


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,522 ✭✭✭✭dsmythy


    You've probably slowed just in time if your distances are right. Can't be 100% certain though. Went pass one doing 60 in a 50 three months ago (Roundwood) and nothing. Sometimes they've just arrived or are about to leave and are not monitoring.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,572 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    I did the rough calcs before 're the angle they set up at and the narrow spread on the laser.
    You really have to be right at the van to be caught so no matter how late you think you saw him, it's still worthwhile braking - if safe to do so.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,219 ✭✭✭mikeecho


    Hi all,

    I'm probably the 1 millionth person to ask this or something similar so apologies in advance.
    I was driving on the motorway and about 200-300metres ahead I notice the gosafe van.
    At the time my speedometer read between 135-140kmph.
    I hit the brakes straight away. As i passed the van within speed I noticed the side door open.
    My questions if anyone can help is:
    1. Is 200-300m within range?
    2. If the side door is open does that mean the camera is not operational? I know the inside is blacked out for lighting purposes so surely if the door is open this defeats that purpose and the operator was possibly setting up/finishing up?

    Also I know my speedometer reads close to 10% above.

    TIA

    The range is very short, only a few car lengths at most.
    I'll post a pic of its range tomorrow.
    But bear in mind that the image will be of the camera being in the best possible position,

    Ie. Positioned at a height above the road, offset a few metres beyond the hard shoulder into the soft shoulder, conditions that can't be met with the current setup with a van.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,967 ✭✭✭whizbang


    And that depends if the operator is awake, or having lunch, or a piss, etc..

    I dont know how true it it is, can anyone confirm?
    - they need to see a fairly constant speed to get a solid reading. If you are on the brakes (no matter what speed), then you are probably getting away with it.

    My experience anyway..


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    orli na nh wrote: »
    you're not in range till your nearly on top of them,

    Not always true.
    Was talking to a supervisor at an emergency services open day recently.

    Between 20-50 m but it depends on the road,width, angle etc.
    It could be less but every road is different and they get you driving in both directions.

    Said the margin is generous but couldn't be drawn on how generous!


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    whizbang wrote: »
    And that depends if the operator is awake, or having lunch, or a piss, etc..

    I dont know how true it it is, can anyone confirm?
    - they need to see a fairly constant speed to get a solid reading. If you are on the brakes (no matter what speed), then you are probably getting away with it.

    My experience anyway..

    Aren't they unmanned?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,170 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    6 wrote: »
    Aren't they unmanned?

    No, you must have a witness for the court case.

    https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/gosafe-operator-escapes-after-his-van-is-set-alight-26722085.html


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,985 ✭✭✭McCrack


    The vans are very obvious really

    To get detected would mean poor observational skills


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,467 ✭✭✭✭Rikand


    The side door being open might save you. I was cruising along at 95k in what I thought was a 100k road. Passed the van and then discovered that I was actually on an 80k road. its a major routeway but not one I'm familiar with. There's a 2k stretch where it drops down to the 80 and backup again. I was not aware of this. Anyways, I never got a letter in the post. I checked previous addresses too in case it went to the wrong place and still nothing. I reckon that the side door being opened might have meant he only just arrived and I fortunately got away with it


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,771 ✭✭✭dmc17


    Hi all,

    I'm probably the 1 millionth person to ask this or something similar so apologies in advance.
    I was driving on the motorway and about 200-300metres ahead I notice the gosafe van.
    At the time my speedometer read between 135-140kmph.
    I hit the brakes straight away. As i passed the van within speed I noticed the side door open.
    My questions if anyone can help is:
    1. Is 200-300m within range?
    2. If the side door is open does that mean the camera is not operational? I know the inside is blacked out for lighting purposes so surely if the door is open this defeats that purpose and the operator was possibly setting up/finishing up?

    Also I know my speedometer reads close to 10% above.

    TIA

    He was opening the door to stop you and give you a ticket but you were going so fast he couldn't get out in time!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,488 ✭✭✭TheChizler


    They say 3-5 working days as it is all automated now.
    Car speedometers generally read 10% higher than actual speed
    No, they're allowed to but it's far from general.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,377 ✭✭✭✭Purple Mountain


    6 wrote: »
    Was definitely over the limit by 10kph driving straight past one a few months ago. Been waiting for the letter but nothing so far.

    Makes me wonder are they all actually switched on.

    I'll probably get a letter now on Monday!


    They say 3-5 working days as it is all automated now.
    Car speedometers generally read 10% higher than actual speed
    Stop making excuses and just slow down.

    To thine own self be true



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,314 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    Rikand wrote: »
    The side door being open might save you. I was cruising along at 95k in what I thought was a 100k road. Passed the van and then discovered that I was actually on an 80k road. its a major routeway but not one I'm familiar with. There's a 2k stretch where it drops down to the 80 and backup again. I was not aware of this. Anyways, I never got a letter in the post. I checked previous addresses too in case it went to the wrong place and still nothing. I reckon that the side door being opened might have meant he only just arrived and I fortunately got away with it
    Sounds like the N11, nearby exit 11. Had cruise control on at the time, at 99kmph, honestly don't know if I was over the speed limit or not, so awaiting the letter in the post :/ Sneaky fcuker was hidden in a corner, so you'd never see it until it was too late.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,967 ✭✭✭whizbang


    But it also means he couldnt see you till its too late..

    I had always thought somebody had to be pushing the button in time...

    I heard a story where an operator was busy munching away on his lunch time, when an irate feller hammered on the side of the van.
    ' Did you catch me ? he roars '
    ' I'm not sure,; whats your reg ? '
    ' 0x d555xx '
    ' Ok I'll check.. Here we go.. Record, Save, Print.,.
    Yep gotya now.


  • Posts: 14,344 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I wouldn't imagine the door being opened makes any difference, and I wouldn't imagine they're "blacked out", instead i'd say they're just tinted up for privacy/security sake.


    I'd imagine the lens of the camera is well insulated from light inside the van. Otherwise the operator would have to sit for hours in darkness. Wouldn't make any sense.

    There was a chap on here before that claimed the limit was 9kms over the posted limit, to get done (ie; 129 in a 120 means you're getting done, 128 means you get away with it) but obviously we don't know how true that is.

    I passed a van before at 115 in a 100, at a constant steady pace (cruise control) and i wasn't done, but the van had it's lightbar on and flashing (which actually made me think it wasn't a speed van), so presumably was just setting up/leaving.

    If your speed was 135 according to your speedometer, you might be okay. If it was 135 according to a sat nav, you're more likely to be nailed to the wall. Hitting the brakes might have saved you. I'd guess you'll be okay, personally, but let us know how you get on. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,215 ✭✭✭shamrock55


    I went past a speed van the other day about 30k over the limit, the van was on the other side of the road with the front of the van facing me, I presume it was doing the other lane as the camera is out the back or would it also detect me coming the other direction


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  • Posts: 14,344 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    shamrock55 wrote: »
    I went past a speed van the other day about 30k over the limit, the van was on the other side of the road with the front of the van facing me, I presume it was doing the other lane as the camera is out the back or would it also detect me coming the other direction




    They can do both sides of the road at the same time (traffic coming to them, and going away from them) but can only do you via the rear of the van.


    So if you see it facing towards you, you just slow down going by the rear window and flash to let everyone know.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 259 ✭✭PremierDeise


    Working Day 4- nothing yet so fingers crossed :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,219 ✭✭✭mikeecho




  • Closed Accounts Posts: 259 ✭✭PremierDeise


    So funnily enough just on the way home from a night shift I met into a speed van operator outside a petrol station.
    He said that to the best of his knowledge that fines are out within 2 weeks. He also said that the door being left open on the side does not mean the van is out of operation.
    It's now 2.5 weeks so fingers crossed :)


  • Registered Users, Subscribers, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,615 ✭✭✭✭antodeco


    Surely those distances cant be right? I always assumed that once you can see the van, your speed is recorded, but the camera will only work within those distances.

    IE: It picks up a car driving along over the speed limit. Radar tracks this, and then take a photo when within the expected range as above?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,219 ✭✭✭mikeecho


    antodeco wrote: »
    Surely those distances cant be right? I always assumed that once you can see the van, youre speed is recorded, but the camera will only work within those distances.

    IE: It picks up a car driving along over the speed limit. Radar tracks this, and then take a photo when within the expected range as above?

    Speed reading and photo taken at the same time.

    Those distances are correct


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  • Registered Users, Subscribers, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,615 ✭✭✭✭antodeco


    Learn something new everyday. So if you are caught by a speedvan, you reaaaallllyy have poor observational skills!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,981 ✭✭✭minikin


    Just passed one northbound on m1 just before balbriggan south exit.
    (Had cruise control set to 119)
    It was up on the Garda ramp partially hidden by bushes.
    Seemed to be more about catching people than slowly them down.
    Is there legislation or an s.i. that permits them to stop and operate on a motorway?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,419 ✭✭✭antix80


    Despite the range of the cameras you need to be on top of the vans before they actually nab you.. so slamming the brakes is the best course of action to avoid getting caught (subject to traffic conditions)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,219 ✭✭✭mikeecho


    minikin wrote: »
    Just passed one northbound on m1 just before balbriggan south exit.
    (Had cruise control set to 119)
    It was up on the Garda ramp partially hidden by bushes.
    Seemed to be more about catching people than slowly them down.
    Is there legislation or an s.i. that permits them to stop and operate on a motorway?


    http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2004/act/44/section/27/enacted/en/html

    Exemptions for emergency vehicles.

    27.—Requirements under the Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2004 relating to vehicles and requirements, restrictions and prohibitions relating to the driving and use of vehicles, other than those provided under sections 49 and 50 (inserted by sections 10 and 11, respectively, of the Act of 1994), 51A and 52 (inserted by sections 49 and 50, respectively, of the Act of 1968) and 53 of the Principal Act and sections 12, 13, 14 and 15 of the Act of 1994, do not apply to a driver of a fire brigade vehicle, an ambulance or the use by a member of the Garda Síochána of a vehicle in the performance of the duties of that member or a person driving or using a vehicle under the direction of a member of the Garda Síochána, where such use does not endanger the safety of road users.

    GoSafe vans are acting on the direction of the Gardai


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