3D scanners ‘will cut crash delay times’

The Department for Transport announced on Thursday that the county would be receiving a share of the £2.7 million funding for the 3D laser scanners, which will cut motorway closure times when an accident happens.

It is estimated the closure time will be cut by almost 40 minutes, as a 3D image of the site can quickly be created, rather than investigators painstakingly surveying multiple sections of the scene.

This digital image of the site can then be viewed on a computer screen remotely, allowing investigators to take measurements of where vehicles are in relation to each other and examine other important evidence.

In partnership with Hertfordshire Constabulary, Beds Police will receive £158,270, which will pay for two scanners.

Beds Police Authority chairman Peter Conniff said: “This is good news for drivers who will be spared long queues of stationary traffic, good news for businesses who will save the lost hours spent in those queues and good news for accident investigators who will have immensely accurate 3D digital images.