Britain’s biggest speed camera can catch drivers using their phones from 1,000 metres away.

The massive speed trap is being called ‘The Long Ranger’ and has just been unveiled by police in Gloucester.

While normal speed guns only detect how fast cars are moving, this new camera can produce clear video footage and photographs of drivers in their cars.

Behold! Britain’s biggest speed camera. Oh, and PC Sean Graham (Picture: Gloucestershirelive / SWNS)

Gloucestershire’s police chief Martin Surl showcased the camera at the launch of their pilot project Operation Indemnis.


The project takes a new ‘collaborative approach’ to policing the A417 and A419 – a major route linking Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, as well as the M4 and M5.



At peak times, it carries an estimated 35,000 vehicles and has become an accident hotspot.

Officers will use the long-distance camera and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to check what vehicles are on the road and how they are being driven.

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Police say the main aim is to educate people about how to drive more safely, and to prevent fatal accidents.

Some drivers will be given advice about their driving while others, who have committed offences, will be prosecuted.

The operation was launched in a lay-by on the A417, just outside of Cheltenham.

Mr Surl said: ‘This is one of the county’s busiest roads which also has one of the worst accident records due to the way it’s used.

The camera captures clear footage unlike old speed guns, which just detect how fast cars are moving (Picture: Gloucestershire Police / SWNS)

‘Many people have come to me with their concerns about speeding and other safety issues along this road.

‘We now have a chance to test a new model of collaborative road policing which, if it proves a success, can be put into practice elsewhere.

‘The aim is not just to penalise motorists but to uphold the law by creating a change in people’s behaviour. But the police will enforce the law when necessary.’

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