Photos from speed cameras - check if they are being processed

Drivers who were followed by a speed camera because they were driving too fast often complain that the police or municipal police faked photos. “And then it cannot be evidence in court,” objected one of the Readers.

Marek Sieweriński, head of Gdańsk-based Meron, which works with more than 30 municipal security guards in Poland, denies that its employees tampered with the photos taken by the speed camera and doesn't think it was done by police, traffic inspectors or security guards. .

In any case, there is no logical justification for any intervention. In addition, most speed cameras used in Poland have security features that prevent any tampering with the original photos.

See: Speed ​​cameras in Poland - new rules and 300 more devices, check where

– Currently, we have two types of speed measuring devices in Poland, one takes a picture in two versions (light and dark), the other in only one version. And such original photos are sent to court, if necessary.

Severinsky adds that each original photograph is drawn with a graphics program to "view a license plate" and the set is sent as a subpoena to the offending driver. Also, in case of hard to see letters or numbers, this software sharpens, brightens or darkens the license plate to improve its readability.

“This is not an interference with the content of the original photo, but an improvement in its readability. And such treatment - if it can be called treatment - corresponds to the regulations. Such a printed photo is sent to the driver,” emphasizes our interlocutor. 

He adds that if a photo has a fuzzy or invisible registration number, then it gets into the database of defective photos. On their basis, fines are not issued.

See when speed camera photos are invalid: Ticket, speed camera photos - can they be appealed and how?

This is confirmed by the head of the Lubusz traffic department, junior inspector Wiesław Videcki.

“The discussion about fake photos is pointless. The speed cameras are protected on hard drives, so any modifications are not possible. On the other hand, removing the registration number or improving the quality by brightening with a special program is legal and is used by the police, city guards and traffic inspectors.

Watch: City Watch Speed ​​Cameras Legal Again – There Will Be Fines

Videcki also adds that municipal police can measure speed with speed cameras from 1 July. From now on, the places where the speed cameras of the municipal police are installed, both fixed and portable, are coordinated with the police. And additionally noted.

Inspector Widecki also corrects the information repeatedly repeated by the press that devices must be marked yellow in order to be able to legally take pictures.

See: The first brightly colored speed cameras - photos

– Only cameras that are installed as new should be painted or marked yellow. Existing ones, on the other hand, can be grey. From July 1, 2014 only, all devices must be yellow,” Widecki added.

Czeslaw Wachnik