Let us remind you that the main task of the phantom patrol is to record violations on the move in both the same and opposite directions. For this purpose, the police have special vehicles equipped with special equipment. Externally, such cars are no different: they can only be noticed when police catch a driver speeding, turn on the flashing beacons and force them to stop.
Currently, there are four such patrols in Ukraine. All of them use Skoda Kodiaq crossovers.
But let's return to the problem itself. As written on his Facebook page by Volodymyr Karavaev, deputy head of the coordinating council of the national road safety forum, Article 40 of the Law "On the National Police" stipulates that information about any means of recording violations must be placed in a visible place. In the case of phantom patrols, the situation is quite the opposite – they move "chaotically," and the equipment itself is not visible on the cars, as it is hidden inside the cabin (located in front of the windshield and on the rear window).
"I wonder how this norm will be observed on police 'phantoms'?... 'Information about installed/placed photo and video equipment, technical means for detecting and/or recording an offense... must be placed in a visible place,'" Karavaev asks rhetorically.
Autoportal comment
On the one hand, there is a grain of truth in the expert's words – any driver should be informed that recording of violations is being carried out on their route, while hidden patrols deprive them of this opportunity. However, the police can easily object: they can at least refer to the fact that no one is going to hide the cameras in special vehicles, and if you get close to the cars, they can be easily noticed. Especially considering that the windows are not tinted.
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Internal Affairs plans to increase the number of phantom patrols to 550 units by 2024.
