London, Feb 2 (IANS) Police have unveiled a laser speed camera that can tell if drivers are using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt from nearly half a mile away, the Daily Mail reported Thursday.
Officers say it will help in their zero-tolerance approach to motoring offences.
But critics say Dorset police are using the equipment to “maximise the number of offences” simply to raise funds.
The 12,500-pound Concept II is fitted with laser speed-detection equipment and a powerful camera that can capture motorists in the “act” of using a mobile phone while driving or not wearing a seat belt.
The resolution is sharp enough to pick out an unbuckled belt at ranges of up to 600 metres and records image and video evidence to DVD, the newspaper said.
Project manager Brian Austin said: “Bizarrely, officers at one of the sites in Dorchester were stunned to see a driver pass them while playing a harmonica using both hands.
“He claimed that he thought he was driving while playing the harmonica quite successfully.”
Officers will be able to use the pictures as evidence to secure a conviction.
