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#Post#: 114018--------------------------------------------------
New 4D Speed Cameras
DIR By: ConfusedDaze
Date: March 22, 2026, 12:55 pm
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Saw an article on the BBC a few days ago;
HTML https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6262ngvv8mo
How do these things work in both directions? Thought cameras
were normally one way only? Anyone know more about them?
Also do they have to have any signage going in the other
direction if there's no camera there anymore?
Any other news about them? Distance they work for, etc etc?
(Presumably they won't work at all for motorcycles going towards
them)
Thanks!
#Post#: 114025--------------------------------------------------
Re: New 4D Speed Cameras
DIR By: andy_foster
Date: March 22, 2026, 1:23 pm
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4D is a somewhat creative use of language. Whilst a "dimension"
in physics can be pretty much anything that can be measured, 3D
refers to the 3 cartesian dimensions - length, with and height,
or the x, y and z distances from a given origin, in
perpendicular planes.
To say that the regular 3 dimensions are speed, distance and
angle is somewhere between marketing twaddle and PMQs. Speed,
distance and angle (or azimuth if you are a borderline f**ktard
trying to sound impressive) are technically all dimensions, but
calling them 3D is akin to selling potassium nitrate as "salt"
in the condiment aisle.
The link, which appears to be mostly a lazily copied and pasted
press release from everyone's favourite dartboard adornment,
gives little relevant detail, and I would suggest that the
chances of anyone here knowing much more (beyond than the rough
flow of the approval process) are somewhat slimmer than I am.
#Post#: 114026--------------------------------------------------
Re: New 4D Speed Cameras
DIR By: ConfusedDaze
Date: March 22, 2026, 1:32 pm
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Hi Andy,
Yes I did chuckle at the 4D naming
HTML https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2026/march/tfl-launches-trial-of-new-radar-based-speed-cameras
Apparently its due to the radar being 4D and doing elevation
alongside distance, speed and angle - not sure I'd agree with
either the 3D or 4D naming for radars that but there you go
there's the 4th D!
Strange thing for TFL to be trialling but it is what it is I
suppose.
#Post#: 114028--------------------------------------------------
Re: New 4D Speed Cameras
DIR By: andy_foster
Date: March 22, 2026, 1:39 pm
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--- Quote from: ConfusedDaze link ---
>
> Strange thing for TFL to be trialling but it is what it is I
suppose.
>
--- End Quote ---
Interesting point, which I must admit I overlooked due to being
distracted by the issue discussed. Is this simply TfL being a
strategic partner in the "Safety Camera Partnership" (which is
never a partnership in law), or part of a land grab to increase
its funding by increasing the scope of its war against
motorists?
#Post#: 114529--------------------------------------------------
Re: New 4D Speed Cameras
DIR By: mickR
Date: March 26, 2026, 1:54 pm
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hmmm now Andy thats a very difficult question to answer, now let
me think first a nano second ....
#Post#: 114700--------------------------------------------------
Re: New 4D Speed Cameras
DIR By: The Slithy Tove
Date: March 28, 2026, 10:34 am
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--- Quote from: andy_foster link ---
>
> 4D is a somewhat creative use of language. Whilst a
"dimension" in physics can be pretty much anything that can be
measured, 3D refers to the 3 cartesian dimensions - length, with
and height, or the x, y and z distances from a given origin, in
perpendicular planes.
>
--- End Quote ---
Are they trying to suggest that they are able to measure both
the exact location of the target as well as its speed and
direction (and don't start going all Heisenberg on me :)? If
that's the case, then it should be 6-D as you need 6 pieces of
information to specify location and velocity (using the proper
use of the term velocity which shows speed and direction). That
could be regular x,y,z cartesian coordinates, or some
combination including angles and points of origin.
But in essence, it's all marketing bo****ks, in the same way as
3-D and 4-D number plates.
#Post#: 114706--------------------------------------------------
Re: New 4D Speed Cameras
DIR By: mickR
Date: March 28, 2026, 1:25 pm
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--- Quote from: The Slithy Tove link ---
>
> it's all marketing bo****ks, in the same way as 3-D and 4-D
number plates.
>
--- End Quote ---
I agree. I've never seen a number plate with 4 'D's either. ::)
#Post#: 115485--------------------------------------------------
Re: New 4D Speed Cameras
DIR By: Fifebuoy
Date: April 9, 2026, 4:59 pm
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Surely the fourth dimension is simply time, so there are 3
spatial dimensions + time. Or to put it another way, a video
recording.
#Post#: 115524--------------------------------------------------
Re: New 4D Speed Cameras
DIR By: NewJudge
Date: April 10, 2026, 8:34 am
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So how does that apply to a number plate then?
#Post#: 116242--------------------------------------------------
Re: New 4D Speed Cameras
DIR By: Apple123
Date: April 18, 2026, 3:50 am
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This is the new home office approves REDSPEED SENTIO Shield
which is a spot speed camera which combines:
- “4D tracking”
- a 4k colour camera which requires no visible flash or white
light, and no in-ground sensors or road markings
This type of camera can enforce up to 5 lanes in any combination
of approaching or receding.
These are now being enforced in Avon & Somerset force area.
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