Sovereign Base Area Gets VASCAR 5000 Device to catch speedRs

New speed detection devices on the bases
By Leo Leonidou

SOVEREIGN Base Area (SBA) police officers will now be able to detect how fast drivers are travelling even when they are not parked by the roadside.
A new speed detection device enables officers to record speed when their own vehicles are stationary, following a car and even when they are in front of a moving vehicle.

Called the TSS Vascar 5000, the device has now been fitted to the police vehicle fleet, and officials feel it is another blow to those constantly breaking the speed limits on the roads.

Supported by an in-vehicle Auto Vision Video System, officers can now record and show the actions of drivers flouting road traffic laws.

Similar systems have already been operating successfully back in the UK and other parts of the world for a number of years now and WSBA Divisional Commander Theodoros Charlis, who is also the chairman for traffic and road safety matters, is positive the system will enjoy the same results.

“This will help to provide the best possible service to the motoring public and I am confident these initiatives will contribute substantially to the reduction of serious and fatal traffic collisions, making the SBAs a safer place to live, visit and drive through,” he said.

He told the Mail that 12 devices went live this week, six in Dhekelia and six in Episkopi.

Cyprus Police do not currently have access to the system, “but we are ready to help if they are interested,” said Charlis.

The three main causes of serious and fatal road traffic accidents around the world are speed, alcohol and failing to wear a seatbelt.
Cyprus has a further problem with many motorcyclists riding their bikes without a helmet or protective clothing.

Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2006