The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched a three-month pilot of three handheld speed cameras that can detect speeding vehicles from up to one kilometre away. The TruCAM II devices are being used in partnership with the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership.

The cameras combine a laser speed measurement system with high-definition video recording. This allows officers to capture evidence for prosecution without having to stop drivers. Offenders will receive penalty notices through the post, mirroring the process used by existing safety camera vans.

A key advantage is the ability to deploy on roads unsuitable for larger camera vans, including many rural routes. The devices can be used at any time, including at night, and can be moved quickly to respond to local concerns or areas with a history of collisions. Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson, head of the PSNI's Road Policing Unit, said the technology would help address community complaints about speeding on smaller roads.

The pilot is part of Operation Lifesaver, the PSNI's initiative to change driver behaviour. The force reported that 36 people had died in road collisions in Northern Ireland as of 6 July this year. Chief Inspector Simpson described the figure as unacceptably high and stressed that tackling excessive speed is a priority. The PSNI continues to highlight the 'fatal five' causes of serious crashes: speeding, carelessness, not wearing seatbelts, drink or drug driving, and mobile phone use.

The PSNI said the handheld cameras would serve as a deterrent, particularly away from main roads where enforcement was previously limited. The devices can record moving footage, and by the time a driver sees the camera, they will already have been detected.