Laser scanners offer relief for Brighton and Hove drivers

Drivers from Brighton and Hove can expect roads to reopen more quickly when they are closed after a crash.

Sussex Police said that the force’s accident investigators would soon be using 3D laser scanners to take measurements at crash scenes.

The scanners will be part paid for by a £156,000 grant from the Department for Transport.

Sussex is one of 27 forces to be given funding help to buy the scanners.

In a statement the force said: “The technology saves time by making a 3D image of the whole crash site rather than investigators painstakingly surveying multiple sections of the scene.

“The 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.”

Sergeant Richard Hornsey, principal forensic collision investigator for Sussex Police, said: “It is vital that the scene of a serious road traffic collision is recorded in detail to ensure a thorough investigation and justice for victims.

“The 3D scanners are an innovative tool for collision investigators to use, allowing them to record crucial evidence in more detail and far more quickly than ever before.

“Officers are always mindful of the need to get traffic moving as soon as possible following a collision due to the traffic and economic disruption road closures can cause.

“In trials across the country the 3D scanners reduced the scene investigation work at incidents by an average of 39 minutes, which will be welcome news to drivers and businesses across Sussex.

“We have also worked closely with our colleagues in the neighbouring force areas of Surrey, Hampshire and Thames Valley to ensure our officers will be familiar with using the same equipment, meaning the opportunity to work together in the future should the need arise.”