The RedGuard cameras are manufactured by Redspeed International Ltd. All of the RedGuard cameras in use by the SEU are supplied by Redspeed who also performs the installation, calibration testing, any required maintenance and back office system operator training.
The RedGuard camera system has Home Office Type Approval (HOTA) for use in detecting and recording evidence of traffic light offences. A copy of this approval can be viewed here: RedGuard HOTA.
RedGuard cameras are designed to monitor when vehicles cross the stop line at a traffic light controlled junction or pedestrian crossing. The camera is connected to the light head and so knows how long the amber and red lights have been illuminated. For each lane there are sensor loops embedded in the road just before and after the stop line. Once the red light has been illuminated for 1 second the camera will be triggered by any vehicle that passes over the loops before and after the stop line. The camera will then record 3 images of the alleged offence as well as data such as how long the amber and red lights had been illuminated when the vehicle crossed the stop line. These images and data are then automatically transmitted via a secure link to the SEU office for processing.
The evidence from each camera activation is inspected by a trained member of Police Staff to confirm that an offence has been committed before a Notice is issued to the vehicle's registered keeper.
Legally an offence is committed if any part of the vehicle crosses over the stop line when the red light is illuminated. However the SEU will normally only issue a Notice if the vehicle has crossed into a junction or pedestrian crossing area. This is confirmed by checking the position of the vehicle in the second wide view image.
Each RedGuard camera has been installed and tested by Redspeed who issue a Calibration Certificate to confirm that the camera is working correctly. They also perform annual calibration testing.
Each time the camera is triggered it records two wide view images of the road so a secondary check can be performed. A trained member of Police staff inspects the images to confirm that an offence has been committed, that the vehicle has moved over the stop line while the red light was illuminated, before a Notice is issued to the vehicle's registered keeper.