The approach involves placing a camera and an electronic sign at the side of the road. The camera is located in advance of the electronic sign to detect the speed of approaching vehicles and record the vehicle’s number plate. The electronic sign is located further along the road. The sign switches on when a vehicle is measured travelling faster than the speed limit. It shows the speed limit for the road with ‘Slow Down’ and the vehicle’s number plate.
The aim is that the equipment will remind drivers to slow down if they are travelling too fast. Unfortunately, not all drivers will respond to the message.The system can identify vehicles that are driven regularly over the speed limit. These details can then be passed onto the police.
Watchman is a pilot project for the West Midlands region. It offers a different approach to safety cameras as it tries to educate and remind drivers of the speed at which they are travelling. If successful, it could shape the future strategy of delivering speed enforcement across the West Midlands.

For more information on this contact Walsall Council - John Charles or Andy Perry on 01922 652562
For further information on speed enforcement in the West Midlands visit www.wmsafetycameras.co.uk.