ANPR Average Speed Cameras

Whatdoiknow

I know this is off topic in terms of it not being related to car parking and apologies if this has been discussed before but as I was driving along the M62 this morning in the miles and miles of roadworks with a 50 mph limit, I noticed that the ANPR cameras seem to be getting closer together so I was wondering, do they check the average speed between each camera or from the start and end of the roadworks as it was very busy with plenty of lorries so there were times when the camera could not have spotted the cars that were behind the large artics.

Thanks

kingstreet

The SPECS III system uses a network of cameras which log the details of a vehicle at each point it passes a camera and then it uses a computer to work out how long it took to travel the distance between cameras.

Too short a time and the system spews out a Notice of Intended Prosecution which must be served on the Registered Keeper of the vehicle within 14 days* of the date of the alleged offence.

Typically, prosecution may only start from the old ACPO guideline of limit + 10% + 2mph, so no NIP may be issued for under 57mph in a 50mph limit. At offences under limit + 10% + 9mph, or 64 in a 50, a speed awareness course will normally be offered in lieu of prosecution - unless the offence takes place in Scotland.

*If the vehicle has recently changed hands, or the RK has moved house, a longer period may apply.

If you do receive a NIP, I suggest you come over here for full advice;-

http://forums.pepipoo.com/index.php?showforum=5

Whatdoiknow

Thanks for that explanation.

"it uses a computer to work out how long it took to travel the distance between cameras"

So if you pass one camera and it detects you, then as you pass the next camera you are hidden behind traffic, does it then not register an average speed or can it catch up at the next camera.

Just curious actually, I was not speeding as I generally get overtaken by the larger lorries and as I travel in a company car I don't want to be landed with an admin fee as well as a fine.

Just had nothing better to think about trundling along at 50 mph;)

LincolnshireYokel

Whatdoiknow wrote: »

Thanks for that explanation.

"it uses a computer to work out how long it took to travel the distance between cameras"

So if you pass one camera and it detects you, then as you pass the next camera you are hidden behind traffic, does it then not register an average speed or can it catch up at the next camera.

Just curious actually, I was not speeding as I generally get overtaken by the larger lorries and as I travel in a company car I don't want to be landed with an admin fee as well as a fine.

Just had nothing better to think about trundling along at 50 mph;)

It forces you to travel well below the limit as you don't know, and cannot calculate on the fly, your average speed.

I always though you coud lhave fun if you have an extra pair of plates for your car and a mate. drive through one set of SPECS, phoenn you mate whos 100 yards from the next set with your spare plate taped to his front, drive thru take them off. it'll clock you at about 500 MPH, wait for ridiculous FPN to arrive, have fun contesting it......

Walaboobah

I don't know if it's true and I haven't tested it but apparently the cameras can only work if you stay in the same lane, so if you pass one camera in lane 1, you would still have to be in lane 1 when you pass the next camera in order for it to work!

Would be interested to know if anyone has actually tried this.......

Gordon_Hose

It'll register your number plate at the next camera and changing lanes doesn't affect it as all the cameras are rigged up to the same computer.

LincolnshireYokel

No, it was a defect in the original specs system, you had to be in the same lane at each camera or it didnt see you. Specs II cured that problem.

muckybutt

sheltster wrote: »

I don't know if it's true and I haven't tested it but apparently the cameras can only work if you stay in the same lane, so if you pass one camera in lane 1, you would still have to be in lane 1 when you pass the next camera in order for it to work!

Would be interested to know if anyone has actually tried this.......

Dont try this at home !

The old specs system it did, the newer specs system registers you in whatever lane you are in and decide to change to.

molerat

Whatdoiknow wrote: »

Thanks for that explanation.

"it uses a computer to work out how long it took to travel the distance between cameras"

So if you pass one camera and it detects you, then as you pass the next camera you are hidden behind traffic, does it then not register an average speed or can it catch up at the next camera.

Just curious actually, I was not speeding as I generally get overtaken by the larger lorries and as I travel in a company car I don't want to be landed with an admin fee as well as a fine.

Just had nothing better to think about trundling along at 50 mph;)

It calculates your average speed between any or all of the cameras.

molerat

sheltster wrote: »

I don't know if it's true and I haven't tested it but apparently the cameras can only work if you stay in the same lane, so if you pass one camera in lane 1, you would still have to be in lane 1 when you pass the next camera in order for it to work!

Would be interested to know if anyone has actually tried this.......

It used to be the case because the type approval of the system was such and you could only be prosecuted for an offence that the system was allowed to register. The spec has now been changed.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-410539/Drivers-avoid-speeding-tickets--changing-lanes.html (2006)

But, under Home Office rules governing the camera equipment, prosecutions are only valid if a driver is filmed in the same lane at the start and finish of each section by a linked pair of cameras.
The Home Office admitted yesterday that the hi-tech SPECS cameras - produced by Camberley-based Speed Check Services - are only approved to be used one lane at a time.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/07/21/speed_camera_myth/ (2008)

It has never been true from a technical perspective: after all, the only thing this system needs to do is recognise a number plate twice and then apply an algorithm to the two timestamps recorded. Nor, sadly, do Home Office guidelines prevent the cameras being used in this way.
According to Collins, the need for Home Office Type Approval (HOTA) may have given rise to the confusion. This, he says “is a form of rigorous testing that any system must undergo before it can be used for enforcement. Until recently, the only HOTA available applied to cars maintaining their lanes.
“However, a new test schedule was carried out last year, which means that average speed checking can be applied even where cars change lanes.”

Walaboobah

Glad I haven't put it to the test then!