A rectangular, elongated metal flash unit is mounted on a tripod. The legs are painted grey while the housing is somewhat darker and melds into an olive green color. There is a red round glass disk on the front of the flash unit.

Flash unit BE1.3, 2008

Object of the month February 2022

This flash unit ("Blitzer" in German) is one component of an ES3.0 speed enforcement system that until recently was being used by Brandenburg police. The system uses optical sensors to measure the speed of a vehicle. Five sensors register changes in light intensity and can measure speeds on up to four traffic lanes. Images of cars breaking the speed limit are made by means of the flash unit and a camera.

The objective of traffic enforcement cameras is to discourage speeding through the imposition of penalties. The problem of speeding drivers and of the authorities’ efforts to stop them has existed since cars were invented. What began with police using stopwatches to hunt down speeders may at a future date culminate with speeding simply becoming impossible through the implementation of driver assistance systems. The first step is being taken in the European Union this year: Beginning on 6 July all new car models must be fitted with an ISA system (Intelligent Speed Assistance) which prevents acceleration above the applicable speed limit. For the time being, however, bypassing or even shutting down the system will still be allowed.

The most extreme form of speeding is illegal street racing, which has increased sharply in recent years. This uptick is what prompted the Deutsches Technikmuseum to create a special exhibition. "Madness. Illegal Street Racing and How to Stop It” opens on 25 February in the Ladestraße section of the museum.