New speed cameras in Hameln-Pyrmont: safer or just a rip-off?

New speed cameras in Hameln-Pyrmont: safer or just a rip-off?

From mid-November, drivers in the Hameln-Pyrmont region could be prepared for something: two new stationary speed camera systems will be put into operation. These are on federal highway 1 in Hameln-Wangelist and on federal highway 217 in Hachmühlen. This brings to an end years of preliminary skirmishes in which the district was against the installation of fixed speed cameras for a long time.

The speed cameras were set up at the end of October, followed by a survey in which 531 citizens took part. The result is interesting: 64% of survey participants rated the new speed cameras as positive, while 24% found them to be “rather bad”. 12.4% had a mixed opinion about it. Proponents argue that the new systems could ensure greater traffic safety, fewer accidents and less noise.

Position and criticism of the speed camera locations

But not everyone likes the concept. Critics see the speed cameras as a “rip-off” and doubt their long-term benefits. The locations in particular are causing discussions: Some survey participants objected that the speed cameras were poorly chosen - especially near traffic lights. The discontent is also reflected in the suggestions that numerous citizens have put forward. 108 participants specifically named other possible locations, including important places such as intersections, schools, kindergartens and retirement homes.

However, it currently remains unclear whether the district still plans to set up additional stationary speed cameras in the Hameln-Pyrmont area. Those responsible have announced that they will provide information about this soon. It would certainly be exciting to find out whether the plans can be fleshed out.

Technology of modern speed cameras

The new stationary speed cameras use modern technologies that cannot be used with traditional mobile speed cameras. Stationary speed cameras, for example, rely on induction and piezo measurements or radar, which enable more reliable measurements. The challenge is often that drivers who are familiar with the area quickly learn where the speed cameras are and only reduce their speed in these places. Therefore, they are often placed at accident hotspots, near schools and ominous traffic lights to ensure road safety where it is needed most.

Another aspect is that stationary speed cameras are often seen as a source of income for municipalities. Critics accuse them of exposing themselves to vandalism and of being considered a legal gray area, as the use of radar detector apps and devices that warn of speed cameras are prohibited.

The discussion about speed cameras will certainly continue lively in the coming weeks. Hopefully the new facilities can actually lead to an improvement in the traffic situation and the public's opinions can reach a consensus.

Further information about stationary speed cameras and how they work can be found on, among other places bussgeld-info.de available, where the different technologies and possible applications are explained.

In summary, the Hameln-Pyrmont district could move into a new era of traffic safety with these new systems, but how citizens will react to this remains to be seen. And only time will tell whether the blue speed cameras have the desired effect.