Landen Deploys 'Dikke Bertha' Super Speed Camera to Catch Speeders

Landen, Belgium, is deploying a large, mobile speed camera, nicknamed 'Dikke Bertha,' to address persistent speeding issues. The striking camera, visible from a distance, is intended to modify driver behavior rather than fill the town's coffers, according to Mobility Alderman Frank Stevens. "The flash unit can be seen from afar; the intention is not to fill the city treasury," Stevens stated. "With this super speed camera, we want to adjust the behavior of drivers who drive too fast. We want to create awareness among our drivers and draw attention to the applicable speed limits."

The mobile unit will be moved between various locations over several weeks. It utilizes LIDAR technology, employing laser beams for precise speed detection, surpassing the accuracy of conventional speed cameras. Controls will be conducted in 30 km/h and 50 km/h zones. This enforcement action comes after a two-month sensitization period, which included large banners and slogans like '30 is the maximum here' to encourage adherence to speed limits. However, traffic measurements indicated that speeding remains a frequent problem in many streets.

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The flash unit can be seen from afar; the intention is not to fill the city treasury.

Alderman Stevens further explained that data from the 'Telraam' project, initiated in December 2025 where residents measure traffic in their own streets, also confirms the findings regarding excessive speed. "Therefore, we are now deploying a mobile speed camera," he added. The town aims to foster greater awareness and compliance with speed limits, emphasizing safety over revenue generation.

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With this super speed camera, we want to adjust the behavior of drivers who drive too fast. We want to create awareness among our drivers and draw attention to the applicable speed limits.