Traffic Film

[Andy Finney <andy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

UK Car number plates are flourescent as well, and some people tried to fool
the traffic cameras by coating the plates with more flourescent substances
so the photo would burn out.  This was declared illegal.  Perhaps using
extended red reduces this effect.  The rear plates on UK cars are,
incidentally, yellow/orange whereas the front ones are white.

On reflection (ugh) the real reason for shooting motorists in the back is
probably that the police don't want to warn on-coming speeding motorists
that a camera is in operation.  It's all in the user interface you know.
Since it is presumably illegal to warn of a speed trap then the police
would have to arrest themselves.

And if you think a camera is tricky ... the UK home office has experimented
with computerised systems that read number plates on vehicles without the
need for film or human intervention.  One potential use is to compare
plates on cars with stolen vehicle registers.  You could check every car
entering a car park in this way and catch a few thieves.  Next they'll be
checking the tax discs for road tax evasion.  Smile ... you're on Traffic
Camera!

BTW.  I've found a source of linear anamorphic lenses in London.  I'm
considering buying one as the optical quality is excellent and the lens is
an add-on that will work with several of my other lenses.  Unfortunately
the lens weighs almost as much as my camera and I have to consider carrying
it about ;-(

Andy


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