With reference to the article entitled “Speed Camera photo was ‘doctored’, man claims” by Noel Grima, allow me to make a few clarifications.

First of all, it is not possible to ‘doctor’ an image given by a speed camera in the way described in the article. The operator can only change the brightness and contrast of an image and zoom in on specific areas of a photo. In all cases the photo given by the camera is stored by the system in its original state as proof of this. Before choosing the system currently in operation, particular attention was paid to the features of the system ensuring that no manual intervention may be allowed when processing any data received from the camera equipment installed in any street. The security against tampering with evidence is obviously one of the requested features of the system.

Following the article published in your newspaper we have investigated the matter further and it transpired that the owner of another vehicle has changed a number on his vehicle registration plate to read otherwise. The vehicle which in fact passed at excessive speed was identified through the details we have available and a contravention ticket was issued to the owner. Moreover we have referred the documentation to the police authorities to take the necessary action.

Finally, we have advised complainant that the contravention issued against him has been withdrawn.

At least speed cameras have served another purpose...not only to detect those driving at excessive speed but also those who tamper with their vehicle registration plates.

Ian Micallef

Chairman

LES Management Committee