So, what exactly is a traffic camera?
Traffic cameras differ from red light or speed cameras. They measure traffic flow without detecting speed or issuing tickets. They are usually small and round, and they are configured to capture video footage of traffic on the road.
Traffic cameras are common on roads across the UK and the data they capture can be accessed by the general public online. The cameras can be monitored digitally, and are not enforced by the government.
Some people feel that traffic cameras are an invasion of driver privacy, but it’s important to understand that the cameras capture moving traffic, so there is generally very little detail in the footage: no vehicle or person can be identified in the videos that are shared publicly.
What can traffic cameras tell us?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen fewer vehicles on the road and a slight fall in the rate of road crashes.
Of course, as we get out of the pandemic, we want to continue to keep the numbers of collisions as low as possible. We can all contribute to making our roads safer by only making essential journeys and choosing not to drive on already congested roads.
If you are planning a trip, you can use traffic cameras to look at your route, check out the road conditions and plan your rest stops. This in turn may make you feel more relaxed when driving, which could reduce the chances of a crash occurring as stressed drivers suffer from reduced concentration and reaction times.
Safer and quicker journeys
At Traffic Cameras, we’ve got around 3,000 traffic cameras from across the UK, searchable by road and county. Our aim is to reduce the time people spend in traffic jams and help reduce driver stress. Our free-to-access cameras allow drivers to check traffic flows in real time and pick and plan the safest route for their journey.
Check out our service now at www.trafficcameras.info
Jawad Bhatti
Founder, Traffic Cameras