Israeli Police Deploy New Radar for Unseen Speeding Tickets

Israeli police are implementing a new system utilizing advanced laser radar combined with high-quality video cameras to enforce speeding violations. This technology allows officers to record instances of speeding and send fines directly to the vehicle owner's address, even if the driver was unaware their speed was measured at the time of the offense. Previously, officers were required to stop drivers or initiate a pursuit to issue a ticket. The new system stores video evidence, enabling fines to be mailed later. This change is expected to make it harder for drivers to warn others about speed traps, as the devices can be deployed from various locations, including bridges, not just from visible police vehicles. However, police retain the discretion to stop drivers immediately for significant speeding or dangerous driving. The introduction of this radar is part of broader efforts to enhance road safety, following a recent adjustment to the speed detection threshold for stationary cameras. Even minor speeding in designated high-risk areas can now result in a fine. Additionally, the process for appealing speeding tickets has been reformed, moving to an online format instead of court appearances. These measures come amid concerns over road fatalities, with 342 deaths recorded in traffic accidents since the start of the year, a figure only slightly lower than the previous year, which was the deadliest in two decades. The police have also announced that the upcoming month will be a period of intensified traffic enforcement, focusing on aggressive driving, distracted driving, mobile phone use, and seatbelt violations.