Speed Estimator from Static Speeding Fine Photos

David Morgan
3 min readOct 26, 2024

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If you requested photos after a speeding fine:

Vehicle Speed Estimator — User Guide

Overview

This application estimates vehicle speed by analyzing two consecutive images of a vehicle using number plate measurements as a reference point.

Requirements

  • Two clear images of the same vehicle taken from a fixed position
  • Known standard number plate height (in centimeters)
  • Accurate time gap between the two images (in seconds)
  • Clear visibility of the number plate in both images

Step-by-Step Usage Guide

1. Initial Setup

Enter Reference Measurements:

  • Input the standard height of the number plate in centimeters
  • UK standard plate height: 15.2 cm
  • EU standard plate height: 11.0 cm
  • US standard plate height: 15.2 cm
  • Enter the exact time gap between the two images in seconds
  • Example: If images were taken 0.5 seconds apart, enter “0.5”

2. Image Upload

First Image:

  1. Click “Choose File” under “First Image”
  2. Select the earlier image from your files
  3. Wait for image to load in the left panel

Second Image:

  1. Click “Choose File” under “Second Image”
  2. Select the later image from your files
  3. Wait for image to load in the right panel

3. Marking Reference Points

For First Image:

  1. Click at the top edge of the number plate
  2. Click at the bottom edge of the number plate
  • A red line will appear connecting these points

For Second Image:

  1. Click at the top edge of the number plate
  2. Click at the bottom edge of the number plate
  • A red line will appear connecting these points

4. Calculate Speed

  1. Verify all inputs are complete:
  • Both images loaded
  • Number plate height entered
  • Time gap entered
  • Reference points marked on both images

2. Click “Calculate Speed” button

3. View the estimated speed result in km/h

Best Practices

Image Quality:

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✓ Use high-resolution images
✓ Ensure good lighting
✓ Keep camera position fixed
✓ Maintain clear view of number plate

Measurement Accuracy:

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✓ Click precisely on plate edges
✓ Use consistent points on both images
✓ Ensure vertical alignment of points
✓ Verify time gap accuracy

Common Issues and Solutions

Problem: Calculate button is disabled

  • Check that:
  1. Both images are uploaded
  2. Plate height is entered
  3. Time gap is entered
  4. All points are marked on both images

Problem: Unrealistic speed result

  • Verify:
  1. Correct plate height entered
  2. Accurate time gap
  3. Proper point placement
  4. Consistent measurement points

Technical Notes

Standard Plate Dimensions:

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Region    Height (cm)    Width (cm)
UK 15.2 52.0
EU 11.0 52.0
US 15.2 30.5

Accuracy Factors:

  1. Camera position stability
  2. Image resolution
  3. Point marking precision
  4. Time measurement accuracy

Tips for Best Results

  1. Image Capture:
  • Use fixed-mount camera
  • Maintain consistent lighting
  • Ensure clear plate visibility
  • Keep vehicle in frame

2. Measurement:

  • Mark points carefully
  • Use plate corners as references
  • Maintain vertical alignment
  • Double-check all inputs

3. Validation:

  • Verify plate measurements
  • Check time stamp accuracy
  • Review results for reasonability
  • Consider multiple measurements

Limitations

The system has some inherent limitations:

  • Requires clear view of number plate
  • Assumes straight-line vehicle motion
  • Depends on accurate time measurement
  • Results are estimates, not exact measurements

Safety and Legal Notes

  • This tool is for estimation purposes only
  • Not certified for legal speed enforcement
  • Should be used as supplementary analysis only
  • Verify results through multiple methods

Troubleshooting

If experiencing issues:

  1. Refresh the page
  2. Re-upload images
  3. Clear all points and remeasure
  4. Verify all input values
  5. Check image quality and clarity

Remember: The accuracy of the speed estimation depends heavily on the precision of your inputs and measurements. Take time to be as accurate as possible with all measurements and data entry.

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David Morgan
David Morgan

Written by David Morgan

Was developing apps for social good e.g. Zung Test, Accident Book. BA Hons and student of criminology. Writing about true crime. Next cancer patient.

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