SUSSEX Police has been allocated more than £150,000 to spend on 3D laser scanning technology aimed at reducing traffic delays following crashes on the county’s motorways.
Sussex is one of 27 police forces countrywide which will receive money from the Department for Transport as part of a government-led initiative known as ‘CLEAR’.
The grant for £155,890 is due to be received this month.
The technology makes a 3D image of the 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.”