What is this thing?

BigglesPiP · 17 Sep 2010 at 11:33

Just appeared on a speed limit sign outside my house:

(apologies for the awful quality iPhone picture)

It's a black plastic box and it's padlocked shut. I interrogated it for quite some time but I'm still no closer to working out what it is for.

Will Gill · 17 Sep 2010 at 11:35

a radar, its being used to assess whether a speed camera in that location would yield profitable amounts of cash

DM · 17 Sep 2010 at 11:36

I dont know, but no good will come of it, set it on fire.

DM · 17 Sep 2010 at 11:37

Will Gill said:
a radar, its being used to assess whether a speed camera in that location would yield profitable amounts of cash

See i knew it, that needs burning.

Will Gill · 17 Sep 2010 at 11:40

DiamondMark said:
See i knew it, that needs burning.

I agree and therefore give you permission, if you get arrested for this act of kindness please print out the coupon below, hand it to the arresting officer, you will be fine.

==========================
=GET OUT OF JAIL FREE - 1 Coupon=
==========================

paradigm · 17 Sep 2010 at 11:40

Will Gill said:
a radar, its being used to assess whether a speed camera in that location would yield profitable amounts of cash

So, say turning it round to point at the bushes would be beneficial?

Will Gill · 17 Sep 2010 at 11:44

paradigm said:
So, say turning it round to point at the bushes would be beneficial?

as far as I know the radar is a 360 degree device, which is why you can set speed cameras off travelling towards as well as away from them

I have utterly no idea if the black box is actually a radar, I'm hungover and thought I'd feign intelligence!

although after reading my post I do now waft of knowledge (and alcohol too apparently)

DannyDan · 17 Sep 2010 at 11:49

Will Gill said:
as far as I know the radar is a 360 degree device, which is why you can set speed cameras off travelling towards as well as away from them

Pretty sure travelling towards the back of a speed camera wouldn't set it off?

Firestar_3x · 17 Sep 2010 at 11:51

DannyDan said:
Pretty sure travelling towards the back of a speed camera wouldn't set it off?

Depends how hard you hit it.

Dogbreath · 17 Sep 2010 at 11:52

Wrap it in tin foil

Surprised if it really is for speed camera testing though - they seem to be a dying breed these days as they aren't aren't very cost effective for local authorities any more.

Felix · 17 Sep 2010 at 11:52

Are these not used to count traffic?

Dup · 17 Sep 2010 at 11:56

There's treasure inside! Open it!

godinman · 17 Sep 2010 at 12:06

Could be anything, most likely a traffic counter.

Will Gill · 17 Sep 2010 at 12:10

don't the traffic counters usually have wires coming out of them and crossing the road?

I like my potentially correct fantasy guess

DM · 17 Sep 2010 at 12:13

I still say it should be set on fire, just to be on the safe side.

Henry8601 · 17 Sep 2010 at 12:16

DiamondMark said:
I still say it should be set on fire, just to be on the safe side.

+1

Will Gill · 17 Sep 2010 at 12:23

DiamondMark said:
I still say it should be set on fire, just to be on the safe side.

very ripleyesque

Nuke It From Orbit. (it's the only way to be sure)

Sp00n · 17 Sep 2010 at 12:26

What you need, is either some bolt cutters or a battery powered dremel and some darkness.

Does it not have any writing on it? Serial numbers? Manufacturer?

MeAnBoY · 17 Sep 2010 at 12:57

3 step guide:

Open and check for treasure
Wrap in tin foil
Spin it around

If those fail to yield results/answers/amsuing photos then do as Diamondmark said. BURN IT!

Clarkey · 17 Sep 2010 at 13:03

Definitely needs to be opened, get the bolt croppers out.