A speed camera has been developed that will be used to detect other offences at the same time.  It can also check for valid insurance and tax via the number plate, measure the distance between cars to check for tailgating, and photograph the inside of the car to check seatbelts are being worn. Information can be captured from 150ft away. The information is transmitted to police headquarters via satellite, where the photos will be automatically destroyed after a month or where no offence is visible.

It is currently being trialed in Finland attached to a generator powered trailer that can run for up to eight hours, though it is thought that it will be modified to fit inside police vehicles. The system: Advanced Safety and Driver Support for Essential Road Transport - Asset, is being funded with £7million of European money.

Full story - Mail Online 03/11/10