When you see a GoSafe enforcement van in your area, what is the first thing you think about?

"There they are again, hiding to catch motorists out!"

"There they are, making more money out of us!"

"Am I speeding? Have I been caught speeding?"

These are just some of the things people have said to us when we engage with the public at events across Wales.

During the Royal Welsh Show a few weeks ago the public were given an opportunity to see behind the lens and see exactly what the inside of our vans look like, how the cameras work and speak with some of our Casualty Reduction Officers about what they do and why they do it.

We hear some surprising myths about what happens behind the lens, including one that the operators inside the vans let the camera record every motorist that drives past the van whilst they sit down and read a book.

Whilst it is true that the camera is constantly recording (like a video), our officers use their experience to judge the speed of every vehicle driving towards the van before they aim the camera at a smooth surface, such as a number plate and press a button to make a record of the offence.

The laser from the camera accurately records the speed, which appears on the screen of the camera. If the vehicle is driving over the legal limit then the owner of the vehicle will receive a NIP (Notice of Intended Prosecution) through the post within 14 working days. If the vehicle is not driving over the legal limit then no further action will be taken.

Our Officers have been given designated powers under the Police Reform Act by the Chief Constable of their respective force, and carry out their duties in accordance with the law. 

Many of our Casualty Reduction Officers are retired Police Officers and have years of experience in roads policing. One of our officers noted " there is nothing worse than having to tell somebody they've lost a loved one" and his desire to improve safety is the reason he does the job. If our officers return from a location without detecting any offences then that is the sign of a good day as it indicates compliance with the limits.

We are not on Welsh roads to make money, or catch motorists out; we are there to save lives.