Software Download Alerts Drivers to Traffic Cameras

June 25, 2009

In many large cities, including Chicago, Washington, New York, and Phoenix, law enforcement agencies are installing traffic cameras that take photos of those drivers who commit traffic offenses. Instead of an officer issuing a ticket at the time of the infraction, a ticket is mailed to the home of the driver, using the photo of the license plate number.

Many drivers are being caught off guard by this new technology and are surprised when they receive a ticket in the mail. However, a new type of software, known as Phantom Alert, is available for download to portable GPS devices. The software picks up on the signals emitted by the cameras and alerts the drivers to upcoming speed traps.

According to the company that manufactures the software, 50,000 drivers use it in the United States and Canada. It can be purchased and uploaded online. Then a USB cable, which connects the GPS to the computer, transfers the software, so that it can become portable.