Police helicopters to zap drivers with radar guns

Police helicopters armed with radar guns are being used in Essex to catch speeding drivers.
The helicopters will also be equipped with number plate recognition technology that will allow them to read number plates from 700ft.
They are also fitted with a “skyshout” public address system to warn drivers of a detection or pursuit. Essex County Council will put up 26 signs in high risk accident areas warning motorists they are being watched.
Cllr Norman Hume, chairman of the Essex Casualty Reduction Board, said he hoped the campaign would reduce the number of motorcycle accidents.
He said: “There is a perception that it is sometimes easier for motorcyclists to evade detection of offences because of the speed they travel at.
“We feel that signs warning of the likelihood of detection by air will be an extra incentive particularly for motorcyclists, but all motorists, to drive safely and help us to reduce accidents further.”
Adam Pipe, of Essex Police, said: “Essex Police is keen to use and develop ideas and strategies that look to address and enhance driver and rider behaviour in an effort to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads and will embrace any idea or strategy that supports that cause.
“Use of the force helicopter will enable officers to obtain video evidence of offences including excess speed plus support specific Road Safety Operations providing information and intelligence to officers on the ground in addition to the helicopters ability to disrupt and detect travelling criminals.”