Soon there may be no escape from speed cameras.

A new armour-plated device capable of taking multiple pictures at the same time across several lanes of traffic is being tested in Germany.

The smart camera is encased inside an steel-plated hull and features an alarm system to help protect it against vandalism by enraged drivers.

Inside the 'Enforcement Trailer', an advanced radar system allows it to monitor several different speed limits across multiple lanes of traffic on both sides of the road.

The Enforcement Trailer (pictured) is an armour-plated speed camera capable of taking multiple pictures at the same time across several lanes of traffic. It uses advanced radar systems to monitor several different speed limits at once, meaning it can be used to ensure trucks travel at lower speeds than cars in some areas

The system is also able to distinguish between different types of vehicle, making it possible to enforce different speed limits for heavy goods trucks and cars, for example.

Cameras inside can be trained on each lane of traffic to capture images of vehicles breaking the speed limit simultaneously.

HOW THE ENFORCEMENT TRAILER WORKS The 'Enforcement Trailer' speed camera can capture traffic in multiple lanes. It has a series of cameras positioned on different sections of the road. Each camera is fitted with a sensor and modem that capture speed violations and send them directly to a central office. Elsewhere, it has an independent power supply and can run for five days without being charged. The camera is also steel-reinforced to prevent vandalism, and looks futuristic apart from the number plates on the back to allow it to be transported along the road. The system is being tested in Germany but if the trial is successful, there are plans to launch it in other European countries. Advertisement

Details and images of offending cars are then beamed automatically to the authorities over a mobile network.

Developed by German manufacturer Vitronic, it is now being tested on highways around Hannover, in Germany.

Hanover City Council spokesman Udo Moeller said: 'We have been testing the device. If it's a good result then we are planning to get more of them.'

The Enforcement Trailer runs on batteries for up to five days and can be fixed to a trailer bar, meaning it can be transported to any road in the country.

The cameras and radar can also be controlled remotely, making them easier to align once it has been put into position.

The remote control lowers the trailer over its wheels and tow bar once it is place, leaving it difficult to move unless raised again.

It can additionally be programmed to adapt to different speed limits according to the time of day, ensuring drivers slow down during the night for example.

Each of the Enforcement Trailers cost around €150,000 (£109,000).

French authorities are also reportedly investing in the futuristic-looking devices to use on their roads while other countries across Europe, including the UK, are said to be interested.

The futuristic speed camera is currently being tested on roads and highways in Hanover, Germany (pictured) but authorities in France are also reportedly interested in using the system. If the trial is successful, it could also be introduced in the UK

The cameras run on batteries that can last up to five days, and can be moved using a trailer bar. They can also be programmed to adapt to different speed limits according to the time of the day to ensure drivers travel at different speeds at night, for example (pictured)