TfL rolls out RADAR-BASED SPEED CAMERAS with no visible flash or road markings in new major crackdown on speeding motorists
- Perry Richardson
- 7 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Transport for London (TfL) is rolling out a trial of radar-based speed cameras at up to 10 locations across the capital, as part of a wider effort to modernise enforcement and reduce road danger. The initiative is being delivered in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service and targets roads identified as higher risk for speeding-related incidents.
The new cameras will be installed over the coming weeks in boroughs including Haringey, Tower Hamlets, Havering, Croydon, Hammersmith and Fulham, Brent, Hackney, Ealing and Sutton. All selected sites are on 20mph or 30mph roads and have been prioritised based on suitability and collision risk data, according to TfL.
The trial introduces a shift from traditional spot speed cameras, which rely on sensors embedded in the road surface, to a system combining 4D radar and 4K colour imaging. This setup removes the need for in-road infrastructure and visible flash systems, potentially reducing maintenance requirements while improving operational reliability.
TfL said the new cameras can monitor up to five lanes of bi-directional traffic from a single installation, compared with the three-lane limitation of existing systems. The improved image quality is also expected to support more efficient enforcement processing by police, particularly in identifying offending vehicles.
New technology aims to improve detection accuracy and support efforts to reduce speed-related fatalities across the capital
Before enforcement begins, all sites will undergo calibration and signage checks in line with established TfL and Metropolitan Police procedures. Authorities emphasised that the technology upgrade is intended to enhance compliance rather than introduce new enforcement thresholds.
The move comes as speeding continues to be cited as a major contributing factor in serious road incidents. TfL data shows that around half of fatal collisions in London in 2024 involved speed as a factor. The trial aligns with the recently published Vision Zero Action Plan 2, which sets out measures to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads over the next five years.
The broader strategy includes expanding the capital’s safety camera network, with at least 20 new locations under consideration, alongside investment in adaptable enforcement technologies. TfL has also committed to delivering at least 65 kilometres of safer speed limits on its road network and supporting borough-led 20mph schemes.
Siwan Hayward, TfL’s Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, said: "Speeding continues to be a major cause of the most devastating collisions on our roads. This trial allows us to test new radar‑based camera technology to ensure it meets London’s future enforcement needs.
“Upgrading our camera network is vital to maintaining strong, consistent enforcement, and together with the Met we are using every tool available to deter speeding, reduce road danger and save lives."
Detective Chief Superintendent Donna Smith, of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “It is tragic whenever anyone is killed or seriously injured on our roads, and speeding remains a major factor, which is why our officers are totally committed to reducing that risk.
“Working alongside TfL, the Met will use every tool available, including new radar‑based camera technology, to deter dangerous driving and support Vision Zero’s ambition of eliminating deaths on London’s roads.
“This trial will improve reliability and deliver better quality images, helping our officers hold offenders to account and ensuring we have a modern and effective enforcement system that saves lives.”
